Game Three Final Score (5 Innings)
Monmouth (0-3) – 2
Akron (2-1) – 11

Game Four Final Score
Bowling Green (2-1) – 9
Monmouth (0-4) – 1
 
Game Five Final Score (5 Innings)
Monmouth (0-5) – 0
USC Upstate (4-1) – 8
 
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Monmouth University Softball Team battled through a challenging opening weekend at the USC Upstate Spartan Classic.
 
The Hawks (0-5) displayed flashes of strong offensive production, with several players making key contributions. Sophomore shortstop Giana Scotti provided a steady presence at the plate, collecting four hits over the three-game stretch, while senior Lexi Castaneda impressed with her speed and defense in center field.
 
In Monmouth's matchup against Akron on Feb. 8, the Hawks fought back after an early deficit, plating two runs in the fourth inning. Junior Bri Lawson delivered a clutch two-RBI double, driving in Gabby Gesualdo and Sammy Miller. Monmouth's pitching staff, led by Olivia Lewis and Izzy Bonacci, battled against a potent Akron lineup but ultimately fell 11-2.
 
Later that afternoon, Monmouth took on Bowling Green and saw Scotti drive in the team's lone run with a sacrifice fly. Pitcher Jayla Cadena kept the Hawks within striking distance early, holding the Falcons to two runs through four innings before Bowling Green pulled away late in a 9-1 decision.
 
On Feb. 9, Monmouth closed the tournament against host USC Upstate, producing its best offensive output of the weekend with nine hits. Scotti and Castaneda each recorded multi-hit games, while Mackenzie Bloss and Savannah Simons also added to the hit column. Despite their efforts, the Hawks couldn't capitalize with runners in scoring position, and USC Upstate took advantage of key opportunities to secure an 8-0 win.

Weekend Notes
- Kaitlynn Place threw out five runners attempting to steal, which is currently tied for the most in the country.
- Bloss reached base in all five contests.
- Kylee McLain scored a team-best three runs for MU.
- Lewis struck out three in three innings of work in the game against Bowling Green.
- Scotti's six hits and eight total bases led the Hawks offense this weekend.
- Bloss and Gesualdo each drew a pair of walks.
- As a team, MU went a perfect 3-for-3 on stolen base attempts.
 
Quote
"Even though the games have not gone the way we would have liked, there was a lot of great things that happened this weekend. Our defense made some stellar plays, and our offense is just one or two hits away from doing some damage. We will learn and move on from this weekend." – Head Coach Morgan Royer
 
Up Next
The Hawks travel out to Las Vegas for the UNLV Rebel Classic beginning Friday, Feb. 14. Monmouth will take on UMKC and the host Rebels twice each, as well as a contest versus Idaho State across the three-day showcase.