GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Guilford softball team opened its 2021 season with a doubleheader setback to Virginia Wesleyan, which emerged with a 14-1 win in the opening game and a 10-4 victory in the second game.

VIRGINIA WESLEYAN 14, GUILFORD 1 (5 Innings)

Virginia Wesleyan capitalized on a pair of multi-run innings to earn a 14-1 victory over the Quakers in the opening game of the season for Guilford.

The Marlins put nine runs across in the third and added five more in the fourth to move in front 14-0. Guilford's lone run of the game came in the fifth when Caitlyn Ray connected on a hit that moved teammate Ally Morales to third base. Hill followed with a single up the middle that resulted in the first Quaker run of the season.

Six Marlin hitters had two hits in the game, including Madison Glaubke (1-3, 4 RBI, 2 runs, HR) and Jessica Goldyn, who was 2-for-4 at the plate with three RBI, two runs and a pair of doubles.

Abbie Hill notched the lone RBI for the Quakers, finishing 1-for-3 at the plate. She was joined by Caitlyn Ray (1-3) and Grace Calus among Guilford sluggers with one hit.

VIRGINIA WESLEYAN 10, GUILFORD 4

The Marlins' offense continued to put together multi-run innings in the second game, scoring eight runs in the first three innings after scoring three runs in the first and second innings and two in the third.

The final two runs of the game for Virginia Wesleyan crossed the plate in the fifth, but Guilford combined for four runs in the fifth and sixth innings.

Guilford's offense was highlighted by a 3-run home run over the left field wall by Casey Bunting in the fifth. Caitlyn Ray reached on a fielder's choice and Emma Patterson laid down a bunt that moved Ray to second. Beck followed with a fielder's choice of her own, which got Patterson at second, put runners at the corners. Bunting stepped up and delivered a home run high over the left field fence to energize the Quaker lineup.

The final Guilford run scored in the sixth when Ray singled to short, scoring Grace Calus for the fourth run.

Bunting was one of four Quakers with two hits, finishing 2-for-4 from the plate with three RBI and a run scored. She was joined in multiple hits by Ray (2-4, RBI, run), Alli Clemens (2-4) and Griswold, who finished 2-for-2.

The Quakers sent three pitchers to the mound, including Morgan Kinney, who tossed two innings and notched a team-best three strikeouts in the process.

Guilford will host Randolph-Macon in a doubleheader on Saturday, March 27th. The first game begins at 1 p.m. For more information on Quaker softball check out www.guilfordquakers.com.