From Emory University Athletics
The Emory University Eagles have clinched a berth to the 2016 NCAA Division III Softball Championship in Salem, VA! After falling to Benedictine University by a score of 1-0 in game two of the best-of-three series, the Eagles knocked off Benedictine 3-1 in the third and decisive game to send Emory to the World Series as the Atlanta, Georgia Super Regional Champions.
It is the first time the Eagles are heading to the NCAA Division III Softball Championships since 2007 and just the fourth time in program history. Junior pitcher Brittany File was named the Most Outstanding Pitcher after going 2-1 with 0.90 earned-run average and 23 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched. Sophomore Janelle Turnquest was named the Most Outstanding Player in the series, collecting three hits including a big home run in game three to give Emory the lead that they would not relinquish.
In rubber game of the series, Turnquest broke a scoreless tie with a leadoff home run to begin the second inning. The home run was the team's 48th home run of the season, setting a new single season school record. The Eagles added an unearned run in the fourth inning as Sam Vincent reached on a infield single and Raygan Greer came around to score on an arrant throw on the play to extend their lead to 2-0.
That was all File needed as she was cruise control in the circle all afternoon. She closed out the Super Regionals with seven strong innings in game three, finishing with a line of seven innings pitched, four hits, one run, two walks and one hit batter. She recorded four strikeouts in the contest with two coming in the seventh inning including the final out when she caught Kailee Cable looking to end the game. File's lone mistake came in the fifth inning when she allowed a leadoff home run to Shannon Fritschee.
Benedictine tied the series at 1-1 with a pitchers dual in game two as Holly Haberkorn blanked Emory through seven innings, giving up just three hits, striking out two batters compared to just one walk. File was the tough luck loser, allowing just a single run on five hits while racking up 11 strike outs compared to no walks.
The NCAA Division III Softball Championships will be held in Salem, VA from May 26th through the 31st. Stay tuned to emoryathletics.com for more information regarding dates, times and opponents when made available during the week.