CLINTON, S.C. – A two-run jack by senior catcher Molly Mattas in the 3^rd inning propelled the Presbyterian College softball team to a huge series victory against Winthrop on Sunday afternoon, winning the Big South rubber match by a 5-3 count at home.

While not as high-scoring as either bout yesterday, PC still managed 10 hits and created just enough scoring opportunities to start off the conference slate on a high note.

Avery Robinson picked up a two-inning save after five solid frames by starter Peyton Duncan, striking out the would-be tying run to end it right then and there.

This is the first Big South series victory for the Blue Hose since winning two out of three over eventual conference tournament champion USC Upstate last spring. Mattas, Morgan Farthing, and Gracie DeCuir each had multi-hit outings in the finale.

Presbyterian will take a quick dip out of the league picture next Wednesday for the return game at Wofford, hoping for some payback after the Terriers eked out a 5-1 result in Clinton last month. First pitch in Spartanburg is due at 6:00 on ESPN+.


 
FINAL SCORE: Presbyterian, 5 – Winthrop, 3

RECORDS: Presbyterian (13-17, 2-1) | Winthrop (15-14, 1-2)

LOCATION: PC Softball Complex (Clinton, S.C.)
 


NOTABLES

 
- The Blue Hose had little issue with Eagles ace Lonna Addison in either Games 1 or 3, spreading out 19 total hits against the reigning Big South Pitcher of the Week.

- Mattas mirrored Audrey Burton, who also hit a two-run homer in the first matchup, which was the squad's eighth longball of 2026.

- Hali Duke and Cierra Grice (traditionally PC's top two batters in the order), have now had at least one hit between them in 20 consecutive games. That streak goes back over three weeks, as they combined for eight knocks in this series.

- Duncan achieved her 28^th career victory as the Scotsmen never trailed from the bottom of the 2^nd onward. She struck out four, meaning she needs just 18 more K's to reach 300 overall.

- Robinson remains the only pitcher in the Big South with an ERA below 3.00, and she was used entirely as a reliever in PC's two victories over Winthrop. She did not allow a single run over five total innings.


 
HOW IT HAPPENED

 
- Annelisa Winebarger was certainly the Eagles' MVP over the weekend, as she hit two solo home runs in the finale. Her first plate appearance gave the visitors an early lead, but it did not last very long.

- Grice laid a two-run bloop single down the third-base line to put PC ahead where they would stay for the rest of the afternoon, setting the stage for Mattas to clear the fence and make it 4-1 Blue Hose.

- Winthrop kept hanging around thanks to another Winebarger wallop and a 6^th inning sacrifice fly. Now only up one, Burton skied her own sac fly in the bottom of that same inning, bringing home Duke for an insurance run.

- Pinch hitter Tia Beckham recorded a one-out double in the 7^th and then moved to third-base on a grounder, but Robinson caught Peyton Bryden swinging to cement the series victory.

- Presbyterian has now won four of the last five series against their South Carolina rival, including seven of the last 10 games that have taken place in Clinton.