HICKORY, N.C. — The Catawba Valley Community College softball team earned a split in Friday's doubleheader against Pitt Community College, opening the day with a convincing 5–1 victory before falling 3–0 in a tightly contested nightcap.

Catawba Valley 5, Pitt 1 (game one)

Catawba Valley set the tone early in Friday's opener, backing a dominant performance in the circle from Paige Ford to secure the win.

The Red Hawks struck first in the opening inning when Alexa Moya singled to left, driving in Gionna Merhtens to give CVCC a quick 1–0 advantage. Catawba Valley broke the game open in the fourth inning when Moya delivered another RBI single, while Courtney Dean added a run on a groundout to extend the CVCC lead to 4-0.

Pitt's lone run of the game came in the fifth on a solo home run by Tessa Sanchez, but the Red Hawks answered immediately. Andi Stroud roped an RBI single to right-center to score Samantha Gregory, pushing the lead to 5-1.

Ford was outstanding in the circle, tossing a complete game. She allowed just five hits, one earned run and struck out three without issuing a walk.. Moya finished Friday's opener 3-for-3 with two RBI, while Kadance Ward and Gregory each crossed the plate. The Red Hawks were disciplined at the plate, drawing nine walks.

Pitt 3, Catawba Valley 0 (game two)

The Bulldogs plated an unearned run in the first inning and added insurance runs in the fourth and fifth innings to come away with the win in game two of the set.

Catawba Valley scattered five hits in the game, including doubles from Paige Ford, but left 10 runners on base. Ford again impressed in the circle, working seven innings in relief and allowing just two earned runs, keeping the Red Hawks within striking distance throughout.

The Catawba Valley Community College softball team returns to action Tuesday with a doubleheader against Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m., with the location to be announced.