ELON, N.C. – The Elon University softball team could not overcome an early three-run deficit as the Phoenix fell to Saint Joseph’s, 3-1, in the Elon Softball Tournament finale on Sunday evening, March 5, at Hunt Softball Park.
Elon’s (10-7) loss to the Hawks (3-7) was the only blemish on the Phoenix’s record during its four-game home tournament and the second overall at Hunt Softball this season. This was the first meeting between the two schools since 2014 as St. Joe’s avenged its loss to the maroon and gold from that season.
At the Plate: Elon plated just five hits in the contest and left eight runners on base…Callie Horn led the Phoenix in the batter’s box with a 2-for-3 performance on the day…The Phoenix was only 2-for-13 with runners on and 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position.
In the Circle: Kenna Quinn (4-3) took the loss for the Phoenix in the circle as the sophomore pitched 3.2 innings and gave up five hits, three runs and walked four…Kiandra Mitchum threw 3.1 scoreless innings in relief and struck out three with two hits given up.
The Rundown: The Hawks scored the first two runs of the game in the top of the first. Saint Joseph’s had runners in scoring position with one out before scoring the initial run of the game on a fielder’s choice. A Phoenix fielding miscue on a stolen base by the Hawks led St. Joe’s plating the second run without a challenge to take a 2-0 lead.
Saint Joseph’s added another run in the top of the second as insurance. The Hawks had a runner at second with two outs before a wild pitch advanced her to third. A single into left center easily brought her in to put the maroon and gold down 3-0.
Elon got a run back in the bottom of the third thanks to a spark from Kara Shutt. The Greensboro, N.C., native led off the frame with a triple to left field and eventually scored off a two-out wild pitch to put the Phoenix on the scoreboard. Elon had the tying runs on base at first and second after the play, but a popup to the shortstop left them stranded.
The Hawks continued to take it to the Phoenix and loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the fourth after a bunt single. Mitchum took over pitching duties from Quinn and helped the Phoenix escape the bases loaded jam with a strikeout to close the inning.
Mitchum continued to do a great job of keeping the Saint Joseph’s bats at bay in relief while hoping the Phoenix offense could catch a spark. Elon twice had runners reach third in the bottom of the fourth and fifth innings, but was unable to drive them in and fell to the Hawks, 3-1.
On Deck
The Phoenix continues its 10-game home stand on Tuesday, March 7, with a contest versus No. 21/24 Pitt at 4:30 p.m.