SPARTANBURG, S.C. – After a victory in its first game of the day, the Elon University softball team could not build on its momentum as the Phoenix fell to SIU-Edwardsville, 7-0, in its second game of the day at the Buffalo Wild Wings Spartan Invitational on Saturday evening, March 6.
The Phoenix (8-8) could only muster two hits against the Cougars (5-7) who recorded eight hits against the maroon and gold. Alaina Hall and Emily Roper each had a hit for the Phoenix with Roper providing Elon’s lone run of the contest on a solo home run in the seventh.
Kayla Caruso (3-3) was saddled with the loss for Elon in the circle after she pitched 4.1 innings and gave up five hits and four runs. Kiandra Mitchum pitched the remaining 2.2 innings in relief and allowed three runs off her three hits.
The Rundown: The Cougars did its damage early in the top of the third. A two-run home run by Jordan LaFave opened the scoring in the game, 2-0. After Rachel Keller reached on a one-out double, she would score on a single to left center by Tess Eby to push SIUE’s lead to 3-0.
SIUE added four more runs in the top of the fifth. The majority of those came off the bat of Haley Adrian, who sent a three-run home run over the center field wall to put the Cougars ahead 7-0.
Roper snapped the shutout for the Phoenix as the junior connected on her second home run of the day with a two out solo shot in the seventh. The Phoenix could not find an answer on the next at bat as the game ended 7-1.
On Deck
Elon ends its stay at the tournament tomorrow, March 6, with a game versus Presbyterian and host USC Upstate.