The Emory University softball team took two losses on Saturday afternoon on the first day of the February Classic against Wittenberg and Maryville.
The Eagles now sit 2-2 to open the season after sweeping Cal Lutheran on opening day.
Game 1: Wittenberg 5, Emory 4
The Tigers jumped to an early lead in the top of the first inning after back to back singles put the first two batters on base. A sac fly and a later two RBI single helped Wittenberg to a 3-0 lead after the first. The Eagles were able to get their first base runner of the day in the bottom of the second inning thanks to an error from the Tigers' defense but they were unable to capitalize on the runner.
Sophomore Mackenzie Duford came in for relief in the top of the third inning and gave up a triple to the center field gap allowing two more runs from the Tigers. The Eagles went three up, three down in the bottom half of the third with the Tigers holding a 5-0 lead.
After a quick top half of the fourth, Emory was able to get their first two batters on base before a single from sophomore Ella Hoyle brought in fellow sophomore Ashley Chu giving the Eagles their first run of the game. Later in the inning, freshman Elizabeth Zerr drove a home run to left field, her second of the season, bringing in three runs for the Eagles.
Emory pitching allowed just two hits from the Tigers in the final three innings and just two base runners but the offense couldn't capitalize on the momentum from the home run and the Tigers took the first game of the February Classic.
Game 2: Maryville 12, Emory 4
The Eagles were able to score first in the top of the first inning with Hoyle bringing in Chu with a groundout to shortstop but the Scots answered with two runs of their own in the bottom of the first to take a 2-1 lead.
Senior Natalie Swift opened the second inning with a single and later scored after a single from freshman Lillian Ware. Senior Page Nellis was hit by a pitch a few batters later, giving her sole possession of first place for most career hit by pitches in Emory history. Zerr followed with a single to right field scoring Ware giving the Eagles a 4-2 lead in the second.
The Scots answered in the bottom half of the inning with two runs after a triple and a single before Duford came in to close out the inning. The third inning was scoreless for both teams and Emory was unable to capitalize on a bases loaded situation.
Maryville's offense burst open in in the bottom of the fourth inning driving two home runs including a grand slam to take an 8-4 lead. A single and the second home run of the inning gave the Scots eight runs on seven hits in the fourth taking a 12-4 lead.
The Eagles will return for the second day of the February Classic on Sunday, February 25 where they will face Wittenberg at 11:00 AM And Maryville at 4:30 PM.