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GREENSBORO, N.C. -- A late-inning rally came up short for the Morehead State softball team Sunday as the Eagles dropped a 3-2 contest to North Carolina Greensboro in the final game of the UNCG Spartan Classic.
The Eagles, who had defeated the Spartans 13-1 Friday, fell behind 3-0 after three innings. MSU scored twice in the sixth but couldn't generate any more offense in falling to 4-10 on the season. UNCG improved to 7-8.
"It really wasn't one particular thing today, it was everything. Pitching, defense and hitting - we didn't do anything great today," said coach Holly Bruder. "They jumped on us early, and I felt like they wanted to win this game more than we did. We can't get behind with this team and expect to come back every time. We have to start getting ahead early."
The Spartans got an RBI double to take a 1-0 lead after one frame. In the third, the host team strung together two run-producing singles to up the lead to 3-0.
With the bases loaded in the sixth, Sam Woodall hit into a fielder's choice that pushed Stephanie Etter in with MSU's first run. The Eagles' RBI leader, Kayla Ashbrook, singled right after that to help Samm Sparks score and make it a one-run game. But UNCG pitcher Cory Mattson (3-5), who tossed a complete game with five strikeouts, retired MSU in order in the seventh to seal the Spartan victory.
Kelcey McMurray, who allowed just two earned runs and five hits in three innings of work, took the loss to fall to 2-2. Ashley Imperial pitched the final four and gave up three hits and no runs.
The Eagles return to Morehead this week for their home opener against Oakland University Friday at 2 p.m. MSU will host the Comfort Inn and Suites Classic on Saturday and Sunday with multiple games each day.
