DUNCAN, S.C. – The Converse College softball team was denied its first win of the season, dropping a pair of games to Carson-Newman on Monday afternoon at Tyger River Park. Converse fell in game one by the score of 15-0 before dropping the nightcap, 9-1.

GAME INFORMATION

Scores: Carson-Newman (15,9), Converse (0,1)

Records: Carson-Newman (2-0), Converse (0-6)

Location: Tyger River Park, Duncan, S.C.

HOW IT HAPPENED

GAME ONE: Carson-Newman 15, Converse 0 (5 Innings)

After holding the Eagles scoreless in the top of the first, Converse threatened in the bottom half of the opening inning. Brooklyn McElrath and Allison Plafcan led the game off with back-to-back singles, but the next three batters were retired in order, leaving the game scoreless after one full inning of play. 

Carson-Newman took advantage of that missed opportunity, scoring three times in the second to take the early lead. That lead jumped out to 15-0 following a 12-run outburst by the Eagles over innings 3-5. Converse was unable to push across any runs in the bottom of the fifth, falling by way of the mercy rule, 15-0.

GAME TWO: Carson-Newman 9, Converse 1 (6 Innings)

Converse was able to take a quick lead in game two, manufacturing a run in the bottom of the first. Plafcan singled to left field with one out before advancing to second on a wild pitch. A fly out by Grace McKinney allowed her to move to third before Ryan Finazzo singled down the right field line, scoring Plafcan. 

Carson-Newman had its best chance to plate a run in the top of the fourth, putting a runner on second with no outs. However, starting pitcher Savannah Rodgers retired the next three batters in order to help preserve the Valkyries lead. 

The Eagles loaded the bases with one out in the fifth, but the Valkyries played damage control, limiting C-N to a single run off a sacrifice fly. Converse placed a runner on third with two outs in the bottom of the fifth but were unable to score the go-ahead run, sending the game to the sixth knotted at 1-1. 

Carson-Newman took full advantage of the Valkyries misfortune, scoring seven runs in the top of the sixth, extending the lead to 9-1. The big blow, a three-run homerun, coming off the bat of Maddie Gillett. Converse was unable to score the one run needed to force the seventh inning, falling by that same final. 

UP NEXT

Converse will hit the road for the first time this season, traveling to take on Fayetteville St. on Sunday, February 9. Game one of the doubleheader is scheduled for 2 p.m.