CULLOWHEE, NC – The North Carolina A&T softball team's time in the Second Annual Catamount Classic ended on Sunday with a 7-0 loss to the host Western Carolina University Catamounts at the Catamount Softball Complex.
Junior Katriel Williams went 2-for-3 on Sunday and 6-for-13 (.462) over the five games the Aggies had in the classic. Katriel Williams's weekend included four runs scored, seven total bases, an RBI, and a slugging percentage of .538.
Senior Joey Barkhimer (L, 3-3) started for the Aggies, losing her first game of the classic after coming into the afternoon 2-0 in the circle during the classic.
Barkhimer pitched her way around an error committed in the first inning before the Catamounts put two runners on in the second. Barkhimer pitched her way out of that situation with a flyout and a popout.
Western Carolina got to her in the third as Maya McPherson's RBI single gave the Catamounts a 1-0 lead. Barkhimer gave up another single in the inning, but the Catamounts stranded two when Barkhimer got Imara Harrell to hit into a fielder's choice.
A huge fourth inning, however, by the Catamounts became the turning point in the game. Western Carolina put together a five-run frame that included a two-run home run from Natalie Henry. Taylor Waitley followed with a double, which led to Barkhimer's departure from the circle. She was replaced by sophomore Aaliyah Williams, who got Lily Bell to ground out.
However, Marks delivered a single, and Mattie Mentel scored two on a double to left center, giving the Catamounts a 6-0 lead. The Catamounts added a run in the sixth to close out the scoring.
Catamounts starter Amanda Fulton (W, 3-1) pitched a complete-game two-hit shutout, striking out 13.
Sophomore Destiny Sims went 5-for-15 (.333) for the tournament. She also scored four runs, a double, a triple and two RBIs. Sophomore Jamari Moss and junior Megan Ellis had six RBIs apiece during their time at Western Carolina.
A&T returns to action on Wednesday with a 3 p.m. doubleheader against Queens University of Charlotte in Charlotte. The Aggies will begin conference play when the Monmouth Hawks come to the Lady Aggies Softball Complex, March 7-9, for a three-game Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) series.
