Box Score GREENSBORO, N.C. – Redshirt sophomore Mollie Hanson picked up her 23 victory of the season as the No. 4 seed Samford University softball team advanced to the second round of the Southern Conference tournament after a thrilling 3-0 victory over host institution No. 5 seed UNC-Greensboro on Wednesday, May 7, at the UNCG Softball Complex.

Sophomore Megan Dowdy led the offensive charge for the Bulldogs (37-16) going 2 for 3 at the plate with an RBI and a run scored. Dowdy also reached base by being hit by a pitch after two consecutive base hits.

Hanson (23-8) tossed her 19^th complete-game and fifth shutout of the year in the effort from the circle. Hanson also only allowed three hits to the UNCG offense.

The Bulldogs plated its first run of the contest in the second inning when Dowdy sent a hard shot to the Spartan infield that allowed senior Arica Dykes to score from third. Caroline Wilder was thrown out at home trying to extend the Bulldogs lead.

The Spartans (27-25) with its best chance to tie the game in the third inning moved a runner to third with two outs for SoCon Player of the Year Katelyn Bedwell .

Bedwell worked Hanson to a 3-2 count before Hanson, the SoCon Pitcher of the Month, struck out Bedwell for the final out of the inning and end the UNCG threat.

Samford tacked on two insurance runs in the fifth inning when Dowdy and Abby Adams were able to cross home plate on an RBI base hit by Caitlin Bice and an error by the third baseman..

Raeanne Hanks (13-16) received the loss for the Spartans after giving up four hits and three runs with five walks.

No. 4 Samford returns to action Thursday, May 8, to take on No.1 seed Georgia Southern University at 3:30 p.m. CST.