Post Game Video
Freshman Moira Sullivan knocked in three runs and senior pitcher Bridget Holloway tossed a three hitter in leading the No. 1 –ranked Emory softball team to a successful opening at the 2012 NCAA Tournament. The Eagles opened the postseason Thursday morning with a 4-1 decision over McDaniel College in the first game of the Newport News, VA, NCAA Regional. The triumph represented Emory's 13th straight win and raised its overall record to 34-3 while McDaniel fell to 27-13.
Holloway raised her slate to 18-1 after registering her 12th complete game in 19 starts. She fanned seven batters and issued no walks en route to moving into sixth place on the school's seasonal list for wins. Offensively, the Eagles saw six different players hit safely once to account for its hit total.
The Green Terror struck first when it scored its lone run of the game in the top of the fourth. Rachel Sidney led off the inning with a single and then advanced to second following a ground out. Jordan Beans then singled down the right field line that allowed Sidney to scamper across the plate. The Eagles then responded with three runs in the bottom of the frame. Sophomore Claire Bailey started the uprising with a single and then advanced to third following an infield single by sophomore Megan Light and an ensuing throwing error. Bailey scored after sophomore Sophia Tarte reached first base on a fielder's choice, which moved Light to second. Light and Tarte each advanced a base following the first of two sacrifice bunts by senior catcher Jessica Boni with both eventually scoring when Sullivan singled up the middle. Emory added an insurance run in its half of the sixth when Tarte led off with a double and later crossed the plate following a sacrifice by Sullivan. Sullivan, who has played in nine contests this season, has five multiple-RBI outings to her credit.
Meanwhile, Holloway kept the McDaniel offense in check for the majority of the game and retired the last eight batters she faced. In 119 2/3 innings of action this year, she has struck out 84 opponents and issued just nine base-on-balls. In her last 54 innings in the circle, she has surrendered just one walk and sat down 44 foes on strikes.
Emory moves into the winner's bracket of the eight-team, double-elimination regional and will play on Friday at 2:00 p.m., against the winner of the Roanoke vs. Messiah contest.
For more information regarding the Newport News, VA, Regional, please go to:
http://www.cnusports.com/sports/2012/4/26/SB_0426121022.aspx
NOTES – Jessica Thomas came through with her team-leading 15th double of the season in the fifth inning with her 2012 two-bagger total tying for sixth on the school's list … Career-wise, Thomas 52 doubles, good for the No. 2 spot on the school's all-time chart … Holloway's 12th complete game of the year moved her into 12th place on Emory's seasonal ladder … Bailey has hit safely in 16 of the team's last 17 contests.