The No. 1-ranked Emory softball team saw a 13-game winning streak come to an end Friday afternoon in the NCAA D-III Tournament, falling to Roanoke College in the Newport News, VA Regional. The Maroons captured their second straight game in the regional and upped their overall record to 31-9 following a 4-2 victory over the Eagles who lost their first game in the double-elimination competition while slipping to 34-4.
Roanoke freshman pitcher Kelly Higbie raised her record to 26-8 after tossing her 31st complete game in 35 starts, limiting the Eagles to just four hits while striking out four batters. Sophomore Lena Brottman, who came on in relief of starter Amanda Kardys, suffered the loss, her first in 10 decisions.
Senior catcher Jessica Boni collected two of Emory's four safeties including a two-run single that scored freshman Micah Scharff and sophomore Lauren Gorodetsky. In the circle, Kardys kept Roanoke in check for the first three innings before getting into trouble in the bottom of the fourth when the first two batters singled. Brottman then came in and surrendered an infield single that loaded the bases. However, the Maroons came away empty handed as Brottman struck out the side. RC regrouped from that disappointment and accounted for all of its scoring the following frame with a two-run double by Hollee Warlinter accounting for the first two runs. A run-producing single by Stephanie Clark proved to drive in the winning tally while a double by Felice Lowery knocked in an insurance score.
Emory will look to keep its postseason hopes alive on Saturday when it battles No. 18-ranked Salisbury University (36-6) in a 1:00 p.m., start. The winner of that game advances to a Saturday evening contest that begins at 7:30 p.m.
For more information regarding the Newport News, VA, Regional, please go to:
http://www.cnusports.com/sports/2012/4/26/SB_0426121022.aspx