LAURINBURG, N.C. – The Valkyries softball team split a doubleheader with St. Andrews University on Monday afternoon, earning its first win of the season in the process. Converse was able to best the Knights 6-1 during the opening game before falling 1-0 in the nightcap.
GAME INFORMATION
Scores: Converse (6, 0), St. Andrews (0, 1)
Records: Converse (1-9), St. Andrews (1-7)
Location: Knights Softball Field, Laurinburg, N.C.
HOW IT HAPPENED
GAME ONE: Converse 6, St. Andrews 0
After a scoreless first inning for both teams, Converse was able to post a run in the top of the second, taking an early advantage. Katelin Bradshaw led the frame off with a base hit to center. An errant throw by the Knights allowed Abbigale Outlaw to reach before a double steal put runners on second and third with no outs. Morgan Berndt lifted a ball deep enough to left field, allowing Bradshaw to touch the plate.
That lead extended to 6-0 after the Valkyries erupted for five runs in the top of the third. Brooklyn McElrath placed a shallow single down the left field line to get things started before Allison Plafcan roped a double to deep center, putting runners on second and third for the second time in as many innings.
Following two quick outs, the Valkyries began to pour it on, capitalizing on three consecutive errors by the Knights defense, which allowed four runs to cross the plate for the Purple and Gold. Converse was able to tack on one more run in the frame after Berndt came around to score on a bad throw by SAU's Lucy Trujillo.
That would be all the run support needed for starting pitcher Reagan Owens as she tossed a complete game shutout for the Valkyries, picking up her first collegiate win. Owens scattered six hits over 7.0 innings while striking out two.
GAME TWO: Converse 0, St. Andrews 1
The second game of the day was more of a pitcher's duel as both teams struggled to maintain any offensive firepower. St. Andrews scored a single run in the bottom portion of the second inning, staking itself to the 1-0 lead early on.
Converse looked poised to tie the game in the top of the fourth following a leadoff triple by Ryan Finazzo. However, she was tagged out on the next play after a failed suicide squeeze. The next two batters were retired in order, leaving the Valkyries trailing 1-0.
The Valkyries threatened once more in the sixth inning. After the first two batters were retired, Finazzo kept the inning alive with a walk before advancing to second on a base hit to right field by Berndt. Unfortunately, a fly ball to center was hauled in, ending the scoring opportunity. That would be the last chance Converse received, falling in game two by the final of 1-0. Starting pitcher Savannah Rodgers was tagged with the tough loss after throwing six innings of one-run ball.
UP NEXT
Converse will be back in action on Wednesday, February 19, playing host to Claflin University at Tyger River Park. Game one of the doubleheader will start at 1 p.m.
