The Emory softball team stunned Case Western Reserve with an eight-run seventh inning, wiping out a six-run deficit, to capture a second-game victory and a sweep of a Saturday doubleheader against the Spartans. The Eagles captured the second contest by a 9-7 margin, which followed a nine-inning, 7-3 triumph in the opener. Emory now stands 25-9 in overall play, 11-3 in the University Athletic Association.
Emory's improbable rally saw it string together seven singles while scoring all eight runs with two out. With the bases loaded, Greta Wilker got things rolling with a two-out single that plated Jenna Wilson and Krista Colussi. A single by junior Sami Feller that scored Sarah Katz narrowed the gap to 7-4, followed by a walk to Cassie Baca loaded the bases. Freshman Mattie Ryan kept the comeback bid alive with a RBI single that allowed Wilker to cross the plate. Junior Natalie Arreguin then knottted the score at 7-7 when her two-run single scored Baca and Feller. Freshman Megan Weisenberg then capped the barrage with another two-run single that plated Arreguin and Ryan. Katz, Feller, Ryan, Weisenberg and Arreguin all hit safely twice as part of Emory's 12-hit attack. Feller, who tossed one relief inning, picked up the win in the circle, evening her season record to 1-1. Senior Madeline Maday pocketed her second save of the year, tossing a perfect seventh inning.
In the opener, a grand slam by Baca in the top of the ninth snapped a 3-3 tie. Wilson led off the frame with a single and then moved up one base following a single by Katz. The Eagles then loaded the bases bases when Wilker drew a walk. After a pop out, Baca came through her first round tripper of the campaign, her second hit of the contest, providing the team with the winning margin. Sophomore Madison Schaefer earned the win in relief, throwing the final two innings, allowing one hit and striking out four. Senior Toko Miller drew the starting nod and went the first seven innings, allowing three runs and surrendering eight eights. Feller went 3-for-5 at the plate with one RBI, that coming with a one-out double in the top of the fifth that staked Emory to a 3-0 advantage. Weisenberg also knocked in a run on the strength of a two-bagger in the second inning.
Emory and Case Western play the final two games of the series on Sunday starting at 9 am.