The Virginia Wesleyan University softball team (22-7, 12-2 ODAC) defeated conference opponent Bridgewater 8-0 in game one and 2-1 in game two.
Game One:
The Marlins wasted no time asserting their presence on the field, with
Olivia Knight's RBI single that scored
Mackenzie Myers from third in the first inning setting the tone for the game. They continued to extend their lead steadily throughout the game, highlighted by key hits and productive at-bats.
Emma Adams' RBI single in the third inning added another run to VWU's lead.
A big fourth inning saw
Karley Beltran single up the middle to score Woodard and Sadler to take a 4-0 lead.
Laci Campbell delivered a clutch triple to bring in
Julia Piotrowski and Beltran, propelling the Marlins to a comfortable 7-0 advantage.
In the fifth inning,
Olivia Knight walked and pinch runner
Emily Halloway stole second and third before
Joslyn Woodard hit a sacrifice fly to score Halloway to seal the 8-0 win.
Karley Beltran went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, and two RBIs,
Emma Adams with a 2-for-3 performance and an RBI single, and
Laci Campbell showcased her power with a triple and drove in two runs.
Virginia Wesleyan's pitchers, led by
Emma Adams who delivered three shutout innings with one hit allowed and one strikeout, and
Julia Piotrowski who provided solid relief over two innings, allowing just one hit while striking out four batters, effectively stifled Bridgewater's offense to secure the win.
Game Two:
The Marlins took an early lead in the first inning as
Mackenzie Myers delivered a sacrifice fly, allowing
Laci Campbell to score, to give VWU an early advantage.
In the fourth inning, VWU extended their lead when
Joslyn Woodard executed a sacrifice fly, bringing home
Sam Smith, who had advanced to third, and putting Virginia Wesleyan ahead by two runs.
Bridgewater managed to narrow the gap in the bottom of the fourth inning scoring one run.
However, the Marlins defense, remained strong, holding Bridgewater to just one run despite their efforts to stage a comeback.
Olivia Knight led the team going 2-for-3 at the plate,
Emma Adams with a crucial 1-for-2 performance and a pivotal walk, and
Jenna Laird contributed a hit and a run scored.
Emma Adams, delivered a stellar performance, securing her eighth win of the season by pitching a complete game, allowing just one earned run on five hits while striking out four batters.