Tigers’ Offense Topples Elon Phoenix in CAA Softball Twin Bill

TOWSON, Md. – Facing an offense that ranks near the top of both the Colonial Athletic Association and the country in several categories, the Elon University softball team could not keep up with the bats of Towson as the Phoenix fell in a twin bill on Saturday, April 14, to the Tigers. The first game ended with a 11-1 setback for the maroon and gold followed by a 10-0 shutout defeat in the nightcap.

Box Score (GM1) | Box Score (GM2)

Elon (20-21, 4-7 CAA) came into the series a game behind the Tigers (31-11, 7-4 CAA) in the standings at fourth overall, but Towson was able to widen the gap with the series victory over the Phoenix. Elon still remains fourth in the league standings, tied with UNCW.

Game One: Towson 11, Elon 1
A three-run bottom of the first gave Towson the early advantage. The Tigers, who came into the game ranked first in the nation in doubles per game, had four in the opening frame to help with its cause offensively with three of the four two baggers driving in a run to put Elon down early 3-0.

Another double in the bottom of the fourth added two more across the dish for the Tigers. Towson had runners in scoring position with two outs before belting its fifth double of the contest to clear the bases and put the Tigers ahead 5-0.

Elon got a run back in the top of the sixth. The Phoenix loaded the bases after Ally Repko drew a walk with only one out. A sacrifice fly from Ashtyn Foddrell pushed a run home to bring Elon within four with a runner still on, but a ground out to first would end the threat.

Towson answered with a six-run bottom of the frame to prevent any chance of a comeback for the Phoenix as Elon fell 11-1 in the opening game.

Game Two: Towson 10, Elon 0
The second game started off tightly contest as both teams were scoreless through the first two innings of action. In the top of the third, Elon had the best chance to plate a run as Kara Shutt drove a two-out double into left field. She would be joined on the bases by Hannah Olson on a single to left as Shutt advanced to third. Towson induced the final out on a fly out to right field before taking over the batter’s box in its home half.

Towson broke the game open with a five-run bottom of the third. A couple of Phoenix miscues and a two-run homer aided the Tigers in the frame as they took a 5-0 lead after the third.

Another five-run inning in the bottom of the fourth doubled Towson’s lead over the Phoenix. The Tigers plated those five runs off six hits as the Phoenix saw a 10-0 deficit after four innings of play.

That would stand as the final score as the Phoenix was retired in order in the fifth as Towson earned its 31st win of the season.

Olson had two of the Phoenix’s three hits of the game, going 2-for-2. Shutt had the lone other hit of the contest for Elon with her double, the 58th of her career. She is now two doubles shy of tying the CAA’s all-time career doubles record.

On Deck
The Phoenix concludes the series at Towson on Sunday, April 15, with a 1 p.m. finale.