RALEIGH, N.C. - The Vikings split on day one of the Triangle Classic, taking on the Knights of Arcadia University (3-5) and the Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan (5-2).

Game One (Arcadia):

The Knights challenged the Vikings, taking advantage of every opportunity at the top of inning one. After a lead off hit, Arcadia capitalized on a tight strike zone, drawing walks for bases loaded. The first run of the game was scored due to a hit by pitch (0-1), followed by a defensive error for three more to cross the board (0-4).

The Vikings battled back, responding to the deficit with two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Paige Bennett reached first base on a fielder's choice, and she was knocked into scoring position by a double shot to right field by Kennedy Moody. Bennett capitalized on a wild pitch for the Viking's first run of the game (1-4). Katie Parker stepped up to the plate, driving Moody in with a sacrifice fly to right field for the last run of the inning (2-4).

The defense for the Vikings locked in behind Avery Greeson in the top of the second inning, allowing only one more run to score for the rest of the game (2-5).

The Viking offense made solid contact with every pitch but was unable push for more runs until the fourth inning, when Elly Bennett hit a solo homerun to bring the Vikings to a 3-5 score.

Megan Rapillo entered the circle at the top of the 6th inning and kept the Knights scoreless for the concluding innings. Berry fell to Arcadia with the final score 3-5.

Game Two (North Carolina Wesleyan):

The Vikings adjusted for a shift in mindset going into game two to face the Bishops. Casey Holloway and Ava Fouts worked as a deadly duo in the circle with a combined five strikeouts.

The Bishops scored first with a RBI double in the first inning (0-1). They followed this up with another RBI in the third inning (0-2).

Offense for the Vikings was stagnant until the fifth inning, when senior Paige Bennett crushed a ball over the fence for a two run home run (2-2). This hit ignited the bats for Berry going into the 6th inning. Bradynn Belcher singled to right field, followed by a perfectly executed Elly Bennett bunt. Madison Miller walked, loading the bases with two outs for

sophomore Fouts. Fouts stepped up in the moment and roped a triple into right field for 3 RBIs. (5-2)

North Carolina Wesleyan was unable to scrape back, and the Vikings took the 5-2 victory.
 

Berry will be back in action for Day 2 of the Triangle Classic at 9:30 Friday morning, facing The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) and Virginia Wesleyan.