After splitting its doubleheader against Brandeis yesterday, the Emory University softball team went back-and-forth with the Judges Sunday afternoon, ultimately leading to a 2-2 series tie between the two in Waltham, MA.
The Eagles had all the momentum in game one against the Judges, earning the 9-3 win before dropping the second game 8-4 to bring Emory's season record to 15-11 and their UAA record to 4-4.
The Eagles continue their conference slate next weekend when they take on the Case Western Reserve Spartans in a four-game series, the first of which is set to take place on Friday, April 8th at 3:00 PM in Cleveland, OH.
Game 1 - Emory 9, Brandeis 3
The Eagles rode a five-run fifth inning to their six-run victory in game one. An efficient day at the plate from sophomore Page Nellis saw her contribute three runs, two RBI and a big home run to put the Eagles ahead for good. Sophomore Abby Sekoff crossed the plate two times herself in what was a solid day at the plate. Graduate student Allie Moberg had the only other extra-base hit for the Eagles, adding a double to the board in the first inning. Sophomore Natalie Swift earned the win for the Eagles, pitching four shutout innings in relief to move her season record to 3-8.
The Eagles opened the game with strong performances at the plate, as they have done so often this season, plating two runs which were highlighted by an RBI-single to left field from junior Tyler Miller. The Judges scored a run each in the first and third innings to tie the game up but a two-run shot from Nellis in the fourth gave the Eagles a little breathing room.
The flood gates opened in the fifth inning with Emory pouring in five additional runs as the Eagles took advantage of several Judges' miscues, proceeding to cruise the rest of the way for the win.
Game 2 - Brandeis 8, Emory 4
A tough opening inning in which the Eagles allowed five runs put the game out of reach early despite Emory's best comeback efforts.
Senior Megan Weisenberg was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate pouring in one run and two RBI highlighted by a two-run homer in the third inning. Moberg had a solid performance as well, going 3-for-4 at the plate with two runs and an RBI and yet another home run for the Eagles.
The Judges had four doubles over the course of the game including two in the first inning as part of their early five run effort in the first inning. The Eagles put a small dent into Brandeis' 5-0 lead with a two-run homer from Weisenberg in the third inning. Another run in the fourth inning that plated sophomore Rachel Cocolis cut the Judges lead to two.
A scoreless fifth inning by both teams led to a tightly contested sixth inning. The Eagles were unable to score but the Judges earned three more runs putting the game out of reach. A solo home run from Moberg would score one more for the Eagles in the seventh but they were unable to plate anymore runs leading to an 8-4 defeat at the hand of the Judges.