Spartanburg, S.C.- Wofford softball (16-8) split the first two games of a three-game series against South Dakota (16-11) on Friday, March 14, at Hope Field. The game one loss saw a Terrier comeback attempt fall short in the seventh inning by a 2-1 loss. The game two win was carried by Margaret Axelson's complete game shutout to give Wofford the 5-0 win.  

Game 1 

Abby Greenwood got the start for the Terriers in the opening matchup of the series. She put together a complete game effort with two runs allowed on six hits and nine strikeouts. The game was a pitching duel early as both sides sought the early advantage. After a collecting two bunt hits in the third inning, the Coyotes capitalized on runners in scoring position with a two out double that put South Dakota up 2-0. The Terrier bats would remain quiet as Coyote pitching and defense held the Terriers to just five hits in the game. In the bottom of the seventh frame the Terriers needed a spark as Brianna Stanley stepped up to lead off the inning. The freshman mashed her third homerun of the season to cut the deficit to 2-1. The Terriers would have a runner on second with two outs to potentially tie the game but were shut down by Coyote pitching to end the game 2-1.  

Game 2 

Game two saw Margaret Axelson take the circle and put on a dominate performance on her way to her eighth win of the season and ninth complete game. She delivered a four hit, five strikeout night with no runs or walks allowed. 

"I knew I had to have a lot of energy," said Margaret Axelson, "My teammates needed some energy to rally behind to allow them to score a bunch of runs and win that second game. As well as back-up Abby in the first game and end the day on a high note." 

The Wofford bats rallied in the second game, having seven hits and driving in five runs. Kaytlin Greenwood would open the scoring with an RBI and a South Dakota walk would drive another in to put Wofford up 2-0 in the fourth.  The fifth saw Olivia Lenzen drive in an RBI after a single to right field. Then finally in the sixth, the Terriers struck again with an RBI from Rivers Sampson and an RBI from Hope Ingle to put the final score at 5-0.  

Wofford will return to action tomorrow Saturday, March 15, as they take on South Dakota for the final game of the series. First pitch is slated for 11:00 am.