From Emory University Athletics
The 8th-ranked Emory University Softball program split a Sunday doubleheader to close out the four-game weekend series against 13th-ranked Christopher Newport University at Cooper Field in Atlanta, GA.
Senior Amy Wray, sophomore Cassie Baca and freshman Jessy McLean all drove in two runs apiece while senior Brittany File spun 3.2 scoreless innings in relief as the Eagles took game one by a score of 8-3.
In the second contest, CNU starter Aubrey Bates limited the Emory offense to just one run on three hits in seven strong innings in the circle as the Captains defeated Emory 2-1.
Game One – Emory 8, Christopher Newport 3
The Eagles scored in four of their six offensive innings, racking up eight runs on 13 hits to win the first matchup by a five-run margin. Emory also capitalized on sloppy defense by CNU as the visitors committed six errors in the field leading to six unearned runs.
With the score deadlocked at 3-3 in the fourth inning, Emory cashed in three runs to take the lead. Baca reached on a fielding error by the CNU first basemen which allowed sophomore Jenna Wilson to score the go-ahead run. McLean followed with a big two-run double to left, plating Baca. Wray tacked on the third run of the frame, singling to center to bring home sophomore Sarah Flanders.
The Eagles added two more runs in the fifth as Baca singled down the third base line, scoring senior Taylor Forte and sophomore Sam Vincent.
The five-run cushion was more than enough support for File as she improved to 6-2 on the year. In 3.2 innings of relief, she allowed no runs on two hits and three walks while striking out three.
Game Two – Christopher Newport 2, Emory 1
CNU's Bates stifled the Emory hitters in the night cap as the Eagles could only muster one run in seven innings against the Captains' starter.
Christopher Newport saw their first five batters reach base in the top of the first to gain a quick 1-0 lead. The Captains would add another run in the third inning with a sac fly off File following a leadoff triple.
Emory responded in the fifth inning, cutting the deficit to one. Forte and Vincent broke up Bates' no-hit bid with back-to-back singles to begin the frame. After a sacrifice bunt by sophomore Jessica MacWilliams, classmate Lana Herrmann grounded out to second in a pinch-hitting opportunity to score Forte from third.
The Eagles were able to get the tying run to third base in both the sixth and seventh innings but could not tie the score.