ELON, NC – Righthanded junior Jessica Vanderploeg hurled a one-hitter to lift UNC Greensboro to a 9-0 win over the Phoenix in the second game of the inaugural Elon Invitational softball tournament Saturday at East Field.

Vanderploeg (2-1) only had to work eight innings thanks to more than enough run support from the Spartan (8-2) batters. She fanned seven of the 16 Phoenix (0-9) batters that she faced while walking none.

UNCG pounded out 10 hits and took advantage of three Elon errors. The Spartans, who didn’t commit any errors, were paced by freshman leftfielder Megan Gough (2-for-3, run, 3 RBI, HR), senior second baseman Kristy Norton (2-for-3, 2 runs, RBI, SB), junior third baseman Penny Thompson (1-for-2, run, 2 RBI, HR) and freshman catcher Christine Sweeney (2-for-2, run, RBI).

Homeruns by Thompson and Gough provided UNCG with a five-run fourth inning. Thompson smacked a three-run shot and Gough’s blast was good for two RBI.

Freshman centerfielder Jessica Swearengin’s third-inning single to shortstop represented Elon’s lone hit in the contest. Phoenix senior righthander Amanda Zentner (0-4) surrendered four earned runs on 10 hits to go with three walks and two Ks in three and 2/3 innings.

UNC Greensboro now faces Michigan State, a 7-0 winner over Elon in the 11 a.m. contest, in the 3 p.m. game of the three-team round-robin tournament. The showdown of the Spartans represents the third and final contest on Saturday’s schedule.

Sunday’s action consists of three rematches, to be played at the Burlington City Park, beginning at 9 a.m. when Elon and Michigan State play again. MSU faces UNCG at 11 a.m. and Elon plays UNCG at 1 p.m. to wrap up tournament play.

Game Box Score

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