Elon Women’s Softball Falls at Campbell

BUIES CREEK, N.C. – The Elon University softball team could not overcome a six-run bottom of the third inning as the Phoenix fell on the road to Campbell, 9-2, on Wednesday night at Amanda Littlejohn Stadium.

Elon (5-3-1) only had three hits offensively against the Fighting Camels (5-4) and eight runners left on base. The Phoenix also fell into a quick 3-0 hole in the bottom of the opening inning.

Campbell led off the bottom of the frame with two singles before Milly Martinet drove both runners home on a one-out three-run home run to center field. After the next batter was hit-by-a-pitch, the Phoenix made a change in the circle with freshman Alli Burdette coming in for starter Chelsea White.

The Phoenix got a runner on base the following inning when Johanna Spencer was walked. She advanced to second on a stolen base, but ended up stranded when as Elon popped up to end the inning.

Elon finally answered in the top of the third when Ali Ford hit a solo home run down the left field line to put the Phoenix on the board. It was the senior’s first career home run and trimmed the Phoenix’s deficit to 3-1. After Alaina Hall reached on a error and advanced to second base, Emily Cameron hit a two-out RBI single to left field scoring Hall to bring the Phoenix within one, 3-2.

The Phoenix got into some trouble in the bottom half of the third frame however. The Fighting Camels scored six runs in the inning and expanded their lead to seven, 9-2.

The maroon and gold attempted to respond in the top of the fourth as Spencer was walked again to begin the inning. She was pinch-run by Jenna Reilly, who then advanced to second on an illegal pitch. Another illegal pitch moved her to third with two outs and was joined by Ford on the bases after she drew a free pass giving Elon runners at the corners. Both would be stranded as the Phoenix went down on strikes to end the inning.

Caitlin O’Shea came on in relief of Burdette and pitched three scoreless innings with the help of some great defense behind her. Elon however could not manufacture any more runs in as the team went hitless from the third inning on.

White (1-3) took the loss for the Phoenix, pitching only a third of an inning. Burdette went 1.2 innings before O’Shea closed out the rest of the game, giving up two runs in her 4.0 innings of action.

Ford led the way offensively after going 1-for-2 at the plate with an RBI and a walk. Cameron had the other hit for the maroon and gold with an RBI while Spencer drew two free passes.

The Phoenix opens its home schedule at Hunt Softball Park this Friday, Feb. 21, with the Phoenix Opening Tournament. Elon takes on Niagara in its first game with the first pitch scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

             1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
   Elon      0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 1
   Campbell  3 0 6 0 0 0 X 9 9 1

Win – BAKER, K. (2-1)
Loss – White (1-3)
Save – None.
Umpires – HP: Randy McLamb 1B: Roger Potts 3B: Clifford Price
Start: 5:00 pm Time: 2:13 Attendance: 283
Burdette faced 4 batters in the 3rd.