The Basics
Score: #13 Roanoke 3 | #11 Randolph-Macon 2

Records: Maroons 15-6 / 1-2 ODAC | Yellow Jackets 14-2 / 0-1 ODAC
Location: Salem, Va.

The Lead: For the third consecutive double header, the Roanoke softball team challenged a nationally ranked opponent when they welcomed #11 Randolph-Macon to the James I Moyer complex on Saturday afternoon. Roanoke took the opener, 3-2, with a late run. Game two would see the two old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) foes take a 3-3 game into extra innings. This time it would be the visiting Yellow Jackets that would take the one-run win, 6-5.

Highlights:

• Roanoke would break open a scoreless game with two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Shanan Hester doubled to start the inning and would score on a misplayed Rachel Sirbaugh drive to left field. Makayla Austin singled to make it a 2-0 Roanoke advantage.
• However, the Yellow Jackets would tie the game one-half inning later and the game would stayed deadlocked heading into the bottom of the sixth.
• Sirbaugh delivered a base hit and with two outs would score on an Austin double to put the Maroons in front.
• Jada Karnes would retire the Yellow Jackets in order for the 3-2 ODAC win.
• Karnes won her 10^th game of the season with a seven inning, six, hit, five strikeout performance. Austin was 2-3 with a pair of RBI while Sirbaugh scored two runs.

The Basics
Score: #13 Roanoke 5 | #11 Randolph-Macon 6

Records: Maroons 15-7 / 1-3 ODAC | Yellow Jackets 15-2 / 1-1 ODAC
Location: Salem, Va.

Highlights:

• Roanoke trailed 3-0 heading into the bottom of the fourth. Hester doubled but would be erased on a Sirbaugh fielder's choice. With two-outs, Austin picked up another RBI with a base hit. Lilly Burns reached on an error ahead of a Serenity Bishop 2-RBI single to left. With the bases loaded, Meri Bostic tied the game when she reached on an error.
• In the bottom of the sixth, Roanoke would load the bases but Gracie Ellis ended the Maroon rally with a strikeout.
• The game would stay tied and head into extra innings. Macon started with a runner on second and would go up 4-3 with a single to right field. Three RC errors and a passed ball would see the Yellow Jackets take a 6-3 advantage.
• In the bottom half, an RMC miscue would put runners on the corners. Hester made it 6-5 with a 2-RBI double. However, with the tying run in scoring position, Roanoke would be unable to tie the score and fell, 6-5, for the split.
• Hester got the start in the circle, giving up nine hits and just three earned runs. At the plate the senior was 3-5 with a pair of RBI.

Up next: Roanoke will wrap up March with a visit from William Peace on the 31^st.