GREENSBORO,  N.C. - The Samford softball team wrapped up play this weekend with the game of a three-game series against UNCG. After splitting the two games yesterday, the Bulldogs fell in the finale 5-3 as they suffered their first series defeat of the year. Samford drops to 28-17 overall while the two sides are tied atop the Southern Conference with 9-3 records.

The Bulldogs gave the ball to Jordyn Partain for the second time this weekend. After she had a stellar beginning to her opening outing of the week, the Spartans rallied on her in the first inning today. After a walk and three singles in a row, UNCG pushed across the opening run of the day. Partain was able to limit the damage as retired the final two batters of the frame.

Like they did yesterday, the Dogs responded quickly to falling behind as they scored three runs in the top of the second inning. The Bulldogs had a two-out rally as Ella Nelson came through with the big two-out single that scored Addison Smith and Logan Champion. As the order turned over, Joi Hubbard singled to left field to score Sarah Squillace as Samford took a 3-1 lead.

The home side got to Partain in the bottom of the third but the Samford defense didn't help their ace pitcher as the inning started with an error that allowed all of the three runs that scored to be unearned. The Spartans retook the lead however 4-3 after the third.

The Samford bats went quiet the rest of the game as they managed just one hit over the final three innings. Sara Bond came in to relieve Partain to start the fourth inning as she was arguably the best pitcher for the Bulldogs this weekend. She allowed just one hit in her three innings of work but it was a solo homer in the bottom of the sixth to secure the 5-3 win for UNCG.

Neither team was able to get their bats going to the extent that was expected as they are the two best offenses in the conference. The Bulldogs managed just five hits in the finale as Grier Bruce and Squillace each had extra-base hits while Partain falls to 12-10 on the season.

Up next, the Bulldogs return home to face Furman in a three-game set. The Paladins are 13-29 on the season and 3-9 in SoCon play. The two sides will play two on Friday, starting at 1 p.m. followed by the finale on Saturday at the same time.

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