The Basics – 2022 ODAC Softball Tournament
Score: #17 Roanoke 5 | #14 Virginia Wesleyan 3  

Records: Maroons 30-11 / 12-6 ODAC | Marlins 32-11 / 12-6 ODAC
Location: Salem, Va.

The Lead: Roanoke made it to the Championship Series of the 2022 Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Softball Championship Tournament. The Maroons would face Virginia Wesleyan, needing to beat the Marlins twice to claim the title. Roanoke raced out to a 4-0 lead but a 3-run home run would make it a one-run game. RC answered with a long ball of their own to win the game, 5-3. In the Championship Game, Roanoke would out-hit the defending champs, 8-3, but couldn't push across a run. Va. Wesleyan was able to score on a ground out and held on for the 1-0, championship clinching, win.  

Highlights:

• Kate Houle started the scoring with an RBI single to center field to score Meri Bostic in the top of the first.
• One inning later, Shanan Hester singled to plate Lilly Burns and when Serenity Bishop delivered a sacrifice fly to score Sammie Murphy, the Roanoke lead was 3-0.
• Houle would score on a Rachel Sirbaugh sacrifice fly to make it 4-0 after three innings of play.
• Virginia Wesleyan would cut into the lead with a 3-run home run in the bottom of the fourth, 4-3.
• In the top of the fifth, RC would get a home run from Houle that tipped off the glove of the Marlin's center fielder to make it 5-3.
• Jada Karnes came in the game in the fourth inning and went the final four innings, giving up two hits and three strikeouts to shut down the Marlins. Hester got the win, her seventh of the season, going the first three innings and leaving with a 4-3 lead.
• Houle was 3-4 with two runs, two RBi and a home run.

The Basics
Score: #17 Roanoke 0 | #14 Virginia Wesleyan 2

Records: Maroons 30-12 / 12-6 ODAC | Marlins 33-11 / 12-6 ODAC
Location: Salem, Va.

Highlights:

• Roanoke would get hits in each of the first three innings but couldn't get any of the runners into scoring position.
• In the fourth inning, Houle walked and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Makayla Austin. Sirbaugh registered her second hit of the game and Roanoke had runners on the corners. However, Sirbaugh was injured on the play and would have to leave the game. VWU was able to induce a pop out to end the threat.
• In the bottom half, the Marlins got a runner on third with one out and she scored on an RBI groundout to take the lead.
• Roanoke once again got a pair of runners on in the fifth. Molly Epperson singled and was lifted for a runner. After a sacrifice bunt by Bostic the Maroons had the tying run in scoring position. Hester delivered a single to center field but the charging outfielder was able to keep the tying run at third base. Once again, the Marlins wiggled out of the jam and continued to lead.
• RC had one last good chance in the top of the sixth. Austin and Meagen Evans got back-to-back infield singles and would advance to second and third with two outs. However, a pop out would end the rally and Roanoke would be held scoreless as Virginia Wesleyan captured a second straight ODAC title.
• Karnes went seven innings, allowing just three hits in defeat. Sirbaugh was 2-2 before leaving the game as the Marlins were able to pitch around eight Maroons hits and one walk.

Up next: Roanoke finished the season with 30 wins and ranked #17 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) top 25 poll. Now they will wait for the NCAA Softball selection show next week to see if the Maroons earned a bid to the postseason.

2022 ODAC Softball All-Tournament Team:

Sophie Tully, LYN

Gracie Ellis, RMC

Amanda Lanyon, RMC

Naomi Sadler, RMC

Meri Bostic, RC

Shanan Hester, RC

Kate Houle, RC

Rachel Sirbaugh, RC

Madison Hudson, VWU

Caitlin Myers, VWU

Ariana Rolle, VWU

Emily Seal, VWU

Julia Sinnett, VWU --- MOP