DUNCAN, S.C. — King University softball opened its 2026 Conference Carolinas Tournament with a dominant shutout victory over Belmont Abbey before falling in a high-scoring battle against nationally ranked Francis Marion in the afternoon session at Tyger River Park.
GAME ONE: King 5, Belmont Abbey 0
Meeks Fires Complete-Game Shutout as Tornado Advance in Winner's Bracket
King set the tone early in tournament play, riding a masterful performance from Kaylee Meeks to a 5–0 shutout over Belmont Abbey. Meeks was in full command from the first pitch, scattering five hits across seven innings while striking out six and walking just three. She forced nine flyouts and six groundouts, throwing 114 pitches in the complete-game win.
The Tornado offense backed her with early run support, striking for two runs in the second inning. Ella Richey opened the scoring by crossing the plate on an RBI single from Aubrey King, and Yuleesa Kennedy followed by scoring on a sacrifice fly from Grace Shary.
King broke the game open in the third. After Giana Winge reached and later scored, Kennedy delivered again with an RBI single to left. Moments later, Aviah Bunsic roped a two-run double to left field, scoring Kennedy and Richey to push the lead to 5–0.
From there, Meeks handled the rest, shutting down the Crusaders and securing King's first tournament win.
Game One Offensive Leaders
GAME TWO: Francis Marion 11, King 5
Tornado Rally in the Third, But Patriots' Offense Proves Too Much
In their second game of the day, King faced top-seeded Francis Marion, one of the most potent offenses in the conference. The Patriots struck early, scoring twice in the first inning and adding three more in the second to build a 5–0 lead.
King responded with its biggest inning of the day in the third. Katie Ryan scored on an RBI single from Carlie Sheets, and Ella Richey followed with an RBI single of her own. With two runners on, Kennedy continued her standout day by ripping a two-run double down the right-field line, cutting the deficit to 5–4.
But Francis Marion answered immediately. A fielder's choice RBI in the bottom of the third extended the lead, and a solo home run from Jenna Walling in the fourth pushed the Patriots ahead 7–4.
King's final run came in the sixth when Kennedy launched a solo home run to left field—her third extra-base hit of the day.
Francis Marion, however, continued to apply pressure, scoring four more times across the fifth and sixth innings to put the game out of reach.
Game Two Offensive Leaders
Pitching
DAY ONE TAKEAWAYS
King showed resilience and offensive firepower throughout the opening day of tournament play. Meeks' shutout in Game One set a strong tone, while Kennedy's explosive performance—five RBIs across two games with a home run and two doubles—highlighted the Tornado's ability to compete with the league's best.
King moves forward in the tournament with momentum from its opening win and valuable experience from facing a top-tier Francis Marion squad.
Up Next
King Softball continues its run at the Conference Carolinas Tournament on Friday, April 24, when the Tornado take on Chowan at 2:30 p.m. at Tyger River Park. With momentum from their opening-round shutout and key offensive performances throughout Day One, King looks to advance deeper into postseason play.
