The Emory softball team posted a split of a Friday afternoon doubleheader against Averett University. The Eagles topped the Cougars, 1-0, in the opener before dropping a 5-3 decision in the finale.  Emory now stands 2-2 on the campaign while Averett was making its season debut.

Emory generated its lone run in the first game in the fourth inning when a one-out single to center field scored  by sophomore Sarah Katz scored freshman pinch runner Drew Bullock from second base. Emory collected five hits with five different players hitting safely on one occasion. Freshman Jacqueline Spizizen picked up the win in relief, tossing four frames of shutout ball that saw her allow just one hit while striking out seven.  Spizizen came on in the top of fourth after the Cougars had runners at second and third with nobody out.  After walking the first batter she face, Spizizen got out of the bases-load jam unscathed, highlighted by a heads-up defensive play by shortstop Cassie Baca whose rifle throw home on a ground ball prevented a run from scoring.  Sophomore Sami Feller drew the start in the circle for Emory and went the first three frames, allowing one hit and striking out six.

In the nightcap, Averett got on the board first in the second inning and added another score in the fourth when Andrea Grant homered to left field.  The Cougars crossed the plate two more times in the top of the fifth with Kaitlyn Aherron and Grant coming through with RBI two-baggers. The Eagles answered with a three-spot in their half of the sixth as a two-run single by Sarah Katz plated juniors Sam Vincent and Sarah Flanders, and a sacrifice fly by Jessy McLean scoring Cassie Baca.  Bacca accounted for two of the squad's eight hits.  Averett picked up an insurance run in the seventh after Aherron led off on a triple and scoring on a ground out.

Emory returns to action on Sunday (Feb. 18) when it hosts No. 19 Berry College (4-0) in a doubleheader starting at noon.