GREAT FALLS, Mont. - The Carroll College softball team split a doubleheader with the University of Great Falls earning a 3-0 shutout in game one before falling 6-2 in game two.

"We played well all day," head coach Aaron Jackson said. "We cleaned up our defense and continued to hit the ball hard."

The Saints were led offensively in game one by Kinley Pope who was 3-for-3 and Maddie Jones who was 3-for-4. Allison Bayer continued her strong play. She was 1-for-4 but tallied two RBIs on a go ahead home run in top of the third inning.

The offense did enough but Megan Gipe pitched one of her strongest games to date. She struck out four and allowed just two hits in the shut out.

"Megan Gipe threw a great game, giving up only two hits and getting the shut out," Jackson said. "That was the best game Megan has thrown as a Saint. She threw hard and had great spin."

The Saints took a two-run lead in the top of the fourth inning of the second game.

Pope was 2-for-3 in game two and scored the first run for the Saints. 

"Another player that had a great day at the plate was Kinley Pope," Jackson said. "She hit the ball hard all day."

The Argos took the lead in the bottom of the fourth with a grand slam from Mindy Larson. UGF scored two runs in the fifth inning but the difference was the grand slam.

"The difference in game two was UGF was able to get a ball over the fence," Jackson said. "We had our chances to take control of the game and just couldn't get the big hit."

The Saints close out the inaugural season with another doubleheader tomorrow beginning at 1 p.m. at the multi-sports complex in Great Falls. Jackson looks at it as another opportunity.

"Tomorrow we close the first chapter in Carroll College softball history," Jackson said. "We look to end on a high note."
 
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