Tigerville, SC - The 2020 North Greenville softball team officially kicked off the season today. NGU took game one 3-1 but fell in the second game 7-5 to split the opening series. North Greenville had a productive day of offense, recording 19 hits while giving up just 11. However, the Crusaders struggled to drive runs in, going just 5-19 (.263) with runners in scoring position. Brooklyn Stone started the season with a great performance, recording 5 hits and 3 RBIs.

Game One - 3-1 NGU

Jaelin Griffin took the start to begin the season. After five scoreless innings, the Trojans struck first in the 6th inning with a sacrifice fly down the left field line. However, North Greenville responded in the bottom of the inning with three runs scored including an RBI single by Savannah Small and and a 2 RBI single by Brooklyn Stone. The Trojans would draw a walk in the top of the 7th, but would ultimately go quiet in the inning, with Griffin taking the win. 

Game Two - 7-5 NGU

Callie Richards took the mound to start the second game. The Crusaders made quick work of things to begin the second game, with Claire Gilmore putting NGU on the board with a two run home run to left field. Makayla Brackett would add to the North Greenville lead in the 3rd with an RBI groundout to 3rd base. Anderson was able to get on the board in the top of the 4th by way of a sacrifice fly, but NGU responded in the bottom of the inning when Stone doubled to left field to knock in a run. The Crusaders were in good shape heading to the 6th inning. With two runners on base, AU's Sydney Belcher hit a 2 RBI single to center. A throwing error on the play allowed Belcher herself to score, tying the game at 4-4. Gilmore would come through in the bottom of the inning, hitting an RBI single up the middle to reclaim the lead. In the top of the 7th, the Trojans took the lead for good with an RBI fielder's choice and a two run double to center field. North Greenville went quiet in the bottom of the 7th, allowing the Trojans to hang on for the win. Elizabeth Engler was charged with the loss.

The Crusaders will head to Columbia, South Carolina on Monday, February 3rd to take on the Benedict College Tigers.