RALEIGH, N.C. – The Meredith College Avenging Angels opened the 2026 season in front of a great home crowd on Saturday afternoon, hosting the Falcons of Messiah University for a season-opening doubleheader. With the rain holding off just in time for first pitch, Meredith delivered an exciting day of softball, earning a split in games played at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Game One: Meredith 5, Messiah 0
The Angels soared in the opener behind the dominant return of senior pitcher Lillie Davis. Making her long-awaited comeback after missing the second half of last season due to injury, Davis was outstanding in the circle. She tossed a complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits while keeping the Falcons off balance from the first pitch to the final out to secure the 5-0 victory.
Offensively, Ashbee Standridge led the charge, going 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI. Senior Tess Spangenburg added two hits and a stolen base, helping ignite an aggressive Meredith offense. The Angels were active on the basepaths all afternoon, swiping three bases and applying constant pressure to the Messiah defense.
Game Two: Messiah 9, Meredith 8
Game two proved to be a back-and-forth battle. Meredith found itself trailing 9-3 but refused to back down. The Angels rallied with 12 hits, nearly completing the comeback before falling just short, 9-8.
Standridge continued her strong opening day performance, blasting her first home run of the season to spark the late surge. Freshman Gracie Ritchie and Haleigh Moss each recorded their first collegiate hits, marking special milestones and adding depth to Meredith's offensive production. Davis returned to the circle for the final two innings and held Messiah scoreless, keeping Meredith within striking distance down the stretch.
Up Next:
With the split, Meredith opens the 2026 campaign at 1-1 and looks to build momentum as it returns to action at home on Thursday, February 26, against No. 2 nationally ranked Virginia Wesleyan University. The matchup was rescheduled from Sunday, February 22, due to weather.
