RALEIGH, N.C. | Meredith Softball dropped both games to Mary Baldwin University, 3-0 and 9-6, in Saturday's doubleheader. Meredith had good pitching performances in both games but couldn't push across runs in key moments.

GAME ONE:
In a tightly contested USA South softball showdown, Meredith College was held scoreless in a 3-0 loss to visiting Mary Baldwin University on Saturday afternoon. Despite the result, the Avenging Angels (17-16) saw a bright spot in Kaylee Manning's gritty performance in the circle.

Manning (6-7) went the distance for Meredith, tossing a complete game with 8 strikeouts over 7 innings, allowing just one earned run on seven hits. Her mix of movement and control kept the Fighting Squirrels (19-13) off balance for much of the game, as she worked out of several high-pressure situations and recorded 13 ground and fly ball outs.

All three of Mary Baldwin's runs came in the opening two innings. A first-inning RBI double from McKenzie Tillman opened the scoring, followed by a pair of unearned runs in the second after a defensive miscue extended the inning. From there, Manning locked in—holding the visitors scoreless over the final five frames and retiring nine of the last twelve batters she faced.

Offensively, Meredith managed five hits, with Tess Spangenburg going 2-for-2 with a double to lead the charge. Emilee Lewis also recorded a hit and stole a base, while Mia Staggs and Sarah Manis added singles. However, the Angels were unable to string together hits or capitalize on scoring chances, as Mary Baldwin pitcher Emily McCreery (6-4) tossed a complete-game shutout with six strikeouts and no walks.

Despite the loss, Manning's performance on the mound stood out as a model of resilience and consistency. Her ability to settle in after early adversity and keep the game within reach was a testament to her poise and leadership in the circle.

GAME NOTES:

• Meredith committed one error, leading to two unearned runs.
• Kaylee Manning threw 129 pitches, including 8 strikeouts and just one walk.
• Meredith left five runners on base and was 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position.

 
GAME TWO:
Meredith College staged a spirited comeback but ultimately fell short in a 9–6 loss to Mary Baldwin University. The Avenging Angels (17–17) clawed back from a 6–0 deficit with a five-run third inning, but the Squirrels (20–13) added late insurance runs to close out the sweep.

After a rocky second inning that saw Mary Baldwin score six runs on five hits, Kaylee Manning entered in relief and gave the Avenging Angels a much-needed lift in the circle. Manning tossed 3.0 solid innings, scattering six hits while allowing two earned runs and striking out two. Her ability to limit further damage helped stabilize the game and keep Meredith within striking distance through the final frames.

Meredith's offense came alive in the third, highlighted by Avery Puryear's 2-RBI single and a run-scoring double from Sarah Manis, who finished the game 3-for-4. Ashbee Standridge also had a standout day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. Puryear collected three RBIs overall, including a fifth-inning single that brought Meredith within one, 7–6.
But Mary Baldwin's offense proved relentless, tacking on two more runs in the sixth off RBI singles from Tillman and Cassidy Newcomb to push the lead back to three. Despite putting runners on in the final innings, Meredith couldn't manufacture another rally.

Starter Emily Dorsey (0–1) took the loss in her season debut, allowing six runs over 1.2 innings. Jammie Wrenn also saw action in the middle innings, giving up one run over 2.1 innings of relief before turning the game over to Manning.

GAME NOTES:

• Meredith collected 13 hits from seven different players.
• Kaydon Roberson went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base.
• Neither team committed an error in the field.
• Mary Baldwin totaled 17 hits and had five players with multi-hit games.

UP NEXT:

• Meredith will look to bounce back next Saturday against Southern Virginia in a doubleheader starting at 1:00 p.m.