EMORY, Va. – The second-seeded and No. 10 nationally-ranked Emory & Henry College Softball Team (25-5) picked up a Sunday sweep over #7 Ferrum College (16-22) in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Tournament Quarterfinals. The Wasps won game one by a 4-1 score and grabbed a 4-3 walk-off win to win the series.
This season, the ODAC Tournament is being played as best-of-three series with the higher seed hosting each matchup.
The Basics
GAME ONE – #2 Emory & Henry 4, #7 Ferrum 1
GAME TWO – #2 Emory & Henry 4, #7 Ferrum 3
LOCATION – Emory, Virginia
VENUE – Wasps Field
RECORDS – Emory & Henry (25-5, 13-3 ODAC); Ferrum (16-22, 7-11 ODAC)
Game One – #2 Emory & Henry 4, #7 Ferrum 1
Ferrum got on the board in the top of the first when Keri Hamlett scored from third on a wild pitch. Emory & Henry answered in the second as senior third baseman Allyson Steadman (Kingsport, Tenn.) doubled to left-center to plate senior shortstop Kyndall Hiatt (Ararat, Va.).
The Wasps got two runs in the third as Hiatt drew a bases loaded walk and junior left fielder Nicole Cox (Cedar Falls, N.C.) scored on an error by the third baseman on Steadman's at bat for a 3-1 margin. Cox drove in a run of her own in the fourth as she doubled to centerfield for the final 4-1 score.
Senior right-hander Cameron Derr (Denver, N.C.) picked up the win, allowing one run on two hits while striking out six. FC's Lyndsey Sears took the loss as she gave up three earned runs on six hits while striking out seven.
Game Two – #2 Emory & Henry 4, #7 Ferrum 3
E&H got out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second as junior second baseman Hailey Mince (Trinity, N.C.) laid down a bunt and was safe thanks to a throwing error by the pitcher. Sophomore right fielder Emily Scaggs (Riner, Va.) scored from second on the play.
In the third, the Panthers pushed three runs across to go up 3-1. A single by Skyler Swaney got things started while Tori Scott plated a run on a fielder's choice. A double steal saw Scott reach second and Scott score from third base. The Wasps got a run back in the bottom half of the frame as Hiatt tagged a home run to centerfield, 3-2.
In the seventh, Cox got aboard with a bunt single to the pitcher and stole second. Senior pitcher Alex Braun (Lexington, S.C.) then hit a frozen-rope double down the left field line to drive in Cox. After senior first baseman Kendall Varner (Bassett, Va.) drew a walk, Hiatt moved both runners into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. With one out, Steadman ended the game with a single up the middle as the Wasps won the game, 4-3, and the series, 2-0.
Braun picked up the complete-game win in the circle, scattering three runs on five hits while striking out nine. FC's Erin Nelson was settled with the loss, as she allowed three earned runs on seven hits in six-plus innings of work.
Up Next
#2 Emory & Henry will host #3 University of Lynchburg in the ODAC Tournament Semifinals on Wednesday afternoon for a doubleheader. The Wasps and Hornets will play the 'if-necessary' game on Thursday. Game times are yet to be determined.
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