The No. 7-ranked Emory softball team used a sterling pitching performance from sophomore Brittany File in posting a victory over LaGrange College in an opening-round game of the NCAA D-III Tournament's Atlanta Regional.  The Eagle boosted their overall record to 32-7 following a 2-0 decision over the Panthers who slipped to 25-15.

File registered her third shutout of the season and ninth complete game in 18 starts, limiting LaGrange to just two hits.  File walked three batters and struck out eight in notching her 15^th victory in 19 decisions.  The Panthers' only hits came in the first and third innings with File retiring the last eight batters she faced.

Emory got on the board in its half of the first when senior Micah Scharff led off with a walk and eventually advanced to third base before a two-out single by sophomore Tara Fallahee, the first of her two hits on the afternoon, allowed her to cross the plate.  Emory tacked on the final the run of the contest in the bottom of the sixth when junior Melody Carter led off with a double and later scored after a throwing error by LC's third baseman. 

Emory will look to stay undefeated in the double-elimination regional when it tackles Averett University (35-3-1) at 11:00 am on Saturday.  The Cougars advanced to the winner's bracket with a 4-1 triumph over Berry College.  LaGrange and Berry will meet on Saturday in an elimination game that is scheduled to start at 1:30 pm.