FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. – A three-run seventh inning in game two of the Converse University softball team's second game of the day against the Emmanuel University Lions led to a 4-3 Converse victory, causing a split on the day. The Lions won game one 3-0.

With the split, Converse moves to 6-18 on the season and 2-2 in Conference Carolinas play. Emmanuel moves to 3-15 overall and 3-3 in conference action.

Freshman Tashi Fife earned her second win of the season in game two for six innings pitched. Fellow freshman Gracee Stucki earned her second save of the year for one inning of relief work in game two.

Game One: Emmanuel 3, Converse 0

The Valkyries led off the game with back-to-back singles from graduate student Megan Monk and senior Aubree Leonard, but the pair were left stranded in scoring position later in the inning.

A pair of errors and a walk loaded the bases for the Lions in the bottom of the inning, but the Valkyries' defense held true and cut down a run at the plate for the second out of the inning. Stucki left the bases loaded by ending the inning on a strikeout.

The second inning was mostly quiet for both teams before a lead-off triple for the Lions in the bottom of the third came around to score one at-bat later on a sac fly.

A two-out single in the top of the fourth put runners on the corners for the Valkyries, but both were left stranded after a fly out ended the inning.

A pair of two-out singles for the Lions in the bottom of the fourth brought home another run for Emmanuel. Stucki left two stranded by striking out the next batter.

Both sides went down in order in the fifth inning before Converse had two batters reach base in the sixth inning. Emmanuel manufactured one more run in the bottom of the inning and held on to win the game 3-0.

Game Two: Converse 4, Emmanuel 3

Leonard notched a two-out single and stole second to put herself into scoring position, but she was left stranded at second base with an inning-ending fly out in the first inning.

A one-out walk for the Lions put runners on the corners with just one out in the bottom of the first, but senior Jaydin Gentile caught the runner from first stealing and Fife induced another fly ball to end the inning.

The Valkyries scratched across their first run of the day as sophomore Olivia Jones doubled with two in scoring position in the top of the second inning.

Three consecutive singles from the Lions loaded the bases in the bottom of the second. After a pop fly was caught in foul territory for the first out of the inning, another Emmanuel single brought home the equalizing run. The Valkyries cut down the would-be go-ahead run at the plate and ended the inning tied 1-1.

The Valkyries put two in scoring position with just one out in the third inning, but they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity.

A one-out walk and a two-out error allowed two more Emmanuel runs to score in the fourth inning.

The Valkyries again put two runners in scoring position, this time with two outs, but were unable to plate any runs. The Lions went down in order in the bottom of the fifth inning.

A runner made it all the way to third for the Valkyries after reaching on a lead-off error in the top of the sixth inning, but she was left stranded. For the second inning in a row, the Lions went down in order in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Back-to-back one-out doubles from Leonard and senior Madison Davis cut the lead to just one run in the top of the seventh inning. The Lions threw out junior Ava Wells, running for Davis, at the plate on a bang-bang play as senior Kiarra Thomas hit a double of her own. The Valkyries loaded the bases with two outs and Jones brought home the tying run with a four-pitch walk. Redshirt freshman Mary Buckner plated the go-ahead run by being hit by a pitch on the next at-bat, sending the Valkyries into the bottom of the seventh up 4-3.

The Lions had two runners reach in the bottom of the seventh, but they were left stranded as the game ended with a fielder's choice to second base.

On deck for the Valkyries
The Valkyries are back in action on Wednesday, March 11, as they host the North Greenville Trailblazers at Tyger River Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 3 P.M.

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