Emory University led Methodist University from the top of the first inning through the top of the eighth on Sunday afternoon in Fayetteville, North Carolina, but a disastrous eight-run bottom of the eighth by the Monarchs sent the Eagles to a 12-9 setback.

Emory appeared in control of the game, leading 8-4 just six outs away from the victory.  However, Methodist opened the inning with eight-straight hits off Emory relievers Paul Merolla and Mike Bitanga, scoring eight runs before the Eagles would record the first out of the frame.  The Monarchs would add on one more run in the inning to cap of the scoring, and setup their eventual victory.

The loss is the second of the weekend for the Eagles against the Monarchs, as Emory dropped to 6-4 on the season.  Methodist now stands at 5-2.

Bitanga took the loss for Emory, falling to 1-1 on the campaign, while Methodist's Jacob Shumate earned the win to improve to 1-0.

Senior Daniel Iturrey went three-for-four in the loss with a pair of RBIs and senior Brandon Hannon turned in a four-for-five performance with a run and an RBI.  Junior Brett Lake added a two-RBI single in the top of the sixth, and has now hit safely in all 10 Emory games this season and 11 consecutive contests dating back to 2013.

Emory will look to rebound on Tuesday, when the Eagles will return home to host Oglethorpe University at Chappell Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 2:00 PM.