The Emory University softball team plays its second straight conference road series this Friday and Saturday (Apr. 13-14) when it takes on Brandeis in a four-game set. Friday's doubleheader will begin at 2:30 while Saturday's twinbill will see the first pitch at noon.
The Eagles, ranked 20th in the NFCA Top 25 Poll, are riding a 10-game winning streak that has upped their overall record to 17-7, 8-0 in the University Athletic Association. Last weekend, Emory came through with a road sweep at Washington University, posting 1-0 and 4-1 decisions on Friday, followed by 9-0 (5 inns.) and 4-2 triumphs the following afternoon.
Freshman Jacqueline Spizizen was named the Louisville Slugger/NFCA D-III National Pitcher of the Week after registering an ERA of 0.00 over 17 innings in the circle against the Bears, picking up three victories after allowing just one unearned run while striking out 13 over her four appearances. Senior Janelle Turnquest was named the UAA Hitter of the Week after registering a .667 effort at the plate that saw her collect four safeties in six at-bats while also driving in four runs. Sophomore Jessy McLean ended the weekend with an effort of .429 at the plate with four of her six hits being doubles.
On the year, junior outfielder Jenna Wilson paces the club with a .404 hitting mark (21-for-52) and has swiped a team-high 12 bases in as many attempts. Sophomore infielder Sarah Katz stands at .349 (15-for-43) while junior shortstop Cassie Baca leads the Eagles in hits (24) and RBIs (16) en route to a batting average of .338. Spizizen leads the UAA in wins with an 11-4 record and has fanned a conference-high 75 batters over 77 innings.
Led by third-year head coach Danielle DelPonte, Brandeis heads into the Emory series with an overall ledger of 5-9 (0-4 UAA). The Judges hosted and swept a doubleheader against Fitchburg State on Wednesday, winning by 7-0 and 11-3 margins.
Following the Brandeis series, Emory returns home for a Tuesday (Apr. 17) doubleheader vs. LaGrange starting at 2:30 pm.