WILSON, N.C.- The Fairmont State University softball team opened the 2024 season in North Carolina against Barton College. The Falcons split the opening doubleheader with a 3-0 loss followed by a 9-1 victory.

Game 1: Barton 3, Fairmont State 0

Fairmont State started the game with a one-out single from Hannah Workman. After stealing second, Workman advanced to third on a foul out by Emily Riggs. Unfortunately, the Falcons were unable to drive the run in. However, Barton struck first in the bottom half of the inning with an RBI double.

Both starting pitchers found their rhythms as it took until the bottom of the fourth for a runner to reach scoring position. Still trailing by one (1-0), Fairmont State threatened once more in the fifth but just like the first inning, left a runner stranded on third.

The Bulldogs added to their lead in the fifth with a two-RBI double to left field. The extra runs was all the home squad needed for the three-run victory. Allyson Nordling started in the circle for the Falcons, going 4.1 innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on five hits.

Game 2: Fairmont State 9, Barton 1 (5 Inn.)

The second game started in favor of the visiting squad as Riggs singled to right field to bring home Workman and Bella Hess. Both teams went down in order through the second as FSU led 2-0.

In the third, the Falcons added to their lead. Riggs drove in her third run of the game. Peyton Wetherholt and Courtney Moyer followed by driving runs in the next two at-bats to make it a 5-0 game going to the bottom half of the inning. 

Barton was able to place two runners on base but was unable to score. Elizabeth Waszkiewic laid down a sacrifice bunt in the fourth as Isabella Yelle raced home to make it a six-run (6-0) game.

Kamilla Slayton sealed the win with a three-run homer to center field as FSU led 9-0 going to the bottom of the fifth. The Bulldogs were able to get on the board ut the deficit was too much as the Falcons enforced the eight-run rule through five.

Delaney Halller picked up the win, throwing all five innings with the lone run (earned) on four hits and only one walk. Riggs went 2-2 with two RBI and run while Workman was 2-3 and scoring twice.

Fairmont State (1-1) remains in North Carolina to face Chowan University on Sunday, February 4. Game one is set to start at 12:00 p.m.