Presbyterian College lost to Gardner-Webb University, 2-0, in the opening game of their Big South Conference softball series on April 10. The game took place at Brinkley Stadium in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.
The match was a low-scoring contest marked by strong pitching from both teams. Junior Avery Robinson of Presbyterian and Alli Stidham of Gardner-Webb kept the offenses mostly quiet during a game that lasted just over an hour and a half. Despite putting runners on base throughout the evening, Presbyterian left eight players stranded and could not score.
Gardner-Webb scored its first run after an infield error by Presbyterian, making it unearned. The second run came from an RBI single late in the sixth inning. Robinson allowed only one earned run against a team that entered the game with a .351 batting average—one of the top marks nationally—but did not receive enough offensive support as Presbyterian failed to advance any player past second base.
Baxleigh Arnette hit a double in the seventh inning for Presbyterian as they tried to rally, but Gardner-Webb closed out the win with back-to-back outs. Arnette and Blair Darby each recorded two hits for Presbyterian; Darby also drew a walk. Freshman Hali Duke extended her on-base streak to 21 games.
This loss brings Presbyterian’s record to 15-26 overall and 3-7 in conference play, while Gardner-Webb improved to 25-16 overall and 5-5 against league opponents. The teams are scheduled for a doubleheader on Saturday, with coverage available on ESPN+.
