FORT MYERS, FLA. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) softball team wrapped up the FGCU Kickoff Classic with a 10-1 five inning victory over Binghamton on Sunday morning.
 
Delaney Cumbie and Grace Loftin led the way for the Spartans at the plate. Cumbie went 3-for-4 with three runs and two RBI, while Loftin went 3-for-3 with two runs scored and six RBI.  Both launched their first homers of the season, and both had two doubles on the day.
 
Loftin's home run was a grand slam. This was the Spartans' second grand slam of the season and the sophomore's third grand slam of her collegiate career. She hit one last year in an 8-1 victory over Rider on Feb. 19, 2022, and in a 6-2 win over Michigan State on March 10, 2022.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
UNCG strung together three hits for three runs in the top of the first as Brooklynn Maxwell led off with a single and stole second during Maycin Brown's at bat. With runners on first and second, Cumbie connected for a double to right field scoring Maxwell from second, 1-0. After the Bearcats retired a batter, Samantha Lagrama walked to get the bases juiced. Loftin doubled to left field scoring two more Spartans for a 3-0 advantage.
 
Binghamton responded with its own run in the bottom of the frame on a RBI double from Alli Richmond, 3-1.
 
The Spartans four-run third inning included Loftin's bomb to center field scoring four runs, 7-1. Cumbie's solo blast to right center was launched in the top of the fourth, 8-1.
 
In the top of the fifth, Loftin doubled to left center to lead off the inning and Blayke Batten tagged her own double, 9-1. Jessie Shipley followed with a single down the right field line scoring Batten for a 10-1 advantage. The Bearcats put a runner on in the bottom of the frame to lead off, but UNCG's defense responded with a double play to clear the bases and then retire the final batter with a ground out.
 
NOTES

• Rhyann Jones earned her second-collegiate win, striking out three and allowing just five hits in 5.0 innings of work.
• Blayke Batten went 2-for-3 with one run scored, one RBI, and two doubles.
• Jessie Shipley also had an RBI, swinging 1-for-2 at the plate.

 
PITCHING RECORDS:
Rhyann Jones: W, 2-0
Kendal Leitner: L, 0-1
 
ON DECK
The 3-2 Spartans return to Greensboro for their home opener this Thursday, February 16 hosting ACC opponent Virginia with a first pitch at 4:00 p.m.