GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro College softball team split a pair of games in the home opener against Randolph College Wednesday.
 
The Pride won Game 1, 9-8, in walk off fashion before dropping Game 2, 8-4.
 
"Every player that played today contributed in a vital way," Head Coach Teresa Fister said. "My staff and I are impressed by the ladies ability to continue fighting each and every inning until the last out."
 
Game 1
 
Randolph held a 2-0 lead through the first 3 ½ innings before Greensboro exploded for six runs in the fourth inning to take a four-run lead.
 
Melissa Garcia reached base to start the inning after being hit by a pitch before advancing into scoring position on a bunt single by Kaylee Johnson. Greensboro then got RBI hits by Hayley Rumley and Mandi Ballard before Taylor Little had a RBI single of her own.
 
After Kali Puckett recorded a RBI single, Brittainy Rush recorded a 2 RBI hit to cap off the Greensboro spurt.
 
Randolph then regained a one-run lead in the top half of the fifth inning before Little plated Ballard with a RBI single to tie the game at seven.
 
The Wildcats were able to take the lead once again with one run in the seventh inning before Greensboro plated two runs in the home half of the inning to win the game.
 
Rumley led off the inning with a single to left field before advancing to third base after a single by Cassie Collins. After Collins stole second base, Ballard blasted a game-winning double to score both runners and give Greensboro the one-run victory.
 
Ballard went 3-for-4 in the game, while Rumley and Little had two hits each. Brittany Nozet was credited with the win after pitching 2 1/3 innings in relief of Hailey Tickle who pitched the first 4 2/3 innings.
 
Game 2
After neither team was able to push a run across in the first three innings, Randolph briefly took a 1-0 lead before Mandi Ballard singled home Hayley Rumley to tie the game heading into the fifth inning.
 
Greensboro then retired the Wildcats in order before Maddison Crisco scored on a wild-pitch to give Greensboro a 2-1 lead.
 
However, Randolph scored the game's next seven runs to take an 8-2 lead into the bottom half of the seventh inning.
 
Greensboro tried to put a rally together in their final at bat but came up short falling by the four-run margin.
 
Melissa Garcia, Rush, Rumley, Ballard, and Puckett combined for Greensboro's five hits. Maddy Weatherholt was credited with the loss after pitching the first 5 1/3 innings, while Nozet and Collins combined to pitch the final 1 2/3 innings.
 
The Pride softball team will return to action Saturday when they open play at the Triangle Classic hosted by William Peace University. The Pride will take on Wilson College at 11 a.m. before taking on Christopher Newport University at 1 p.m. For more information on Greensboro College softball, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.