PEMBROKE – Bladenboro native Abbey Walters fired a 4-hit shutout and slugged a home run to lead UNC-Pembroke to a 4-0 season-opening softball victory Friday morning over Kutztown in the UNCP Invitational.
Walters, a pre-season All-Peach Belt Conference selection, struck out 5, walked one and needed only 92 pitches to record the complete game shutout.
At the plate Walters ripped a run-scoring single through the left side in the second inning then hammered a solo home run over the leftfield fence in the fifth inning. The West Bladen grad batted 2-4 for the game with 2 runs batted in and a run scored.
The Lady Braves dropped a 7-3 decision to Shippensburg Friday afternoon. Walters drove in a run in the third inning of that game and finished 1-3 at the plate with the rbi and a stolen base.
Whiteville freshman Malerie Leviner went the distance in the circle for UNC-Pembroke in the second game but fell victim to four unearned runs.
The Lady Braves continue play in the UNCP Invitational Saturday at 10 a.m. against West Virginia State and at 4 p.m. against Kutztown.
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