CULLOWHEE, N.C. – A trio of seniors drove in runs for the North Carolina Central University softball team in an 11-3 loss to Gardner-Webb University on the opening day of the Catamount Classic on Friday.
 
NCCU's second game of the day against host Western Carolina University was postponed due to inclement weather.
 
Senior shortstop Maegan Garrison and senior outfielder Ivory Jones both hit their first home runs of the season for the Eagles. Garrison, who was making her first appearance in the lineup this season, started NCCU's scoring with a solo home run to begin the third inning. Jones launched her solo shot with two outs in the fourth inning.
 
Senior second baseman Jaylah Barr notched the other NCCU RBI while belting two singles. The Eagles tallied a total of 10 hits, including three off the bat of junior outfielder Jai'lyn Edwards, who scored on Barr's run-producing single in the third to account for the other maroon and gray run.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs recorded half of their 14 hits during a seven-run first inning to take control early. NCCU did commit three errors on the day, resulting in five unearned runs for Gardner-Webb, including the last four runs of the opening frame.
 
Gardner-Webb (17-6) has won eight straight games.
 
NC Central (4-15) will continue play at the Catamount Classic on Saturday and Sunday and with inclement weather still in the area fans are encouraged to visit the tournament website by clicking here for the most up-to-date schedule for the last two days.
 
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com, or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.