On Saturday, Feb. 14, the Elon softball team looked to come back from two losses on Friday. The Phoenix was unsuccessful as it dropped both games on Saturday as well.
In the first game of the day, Elon took on Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. The first inning produced no runs for either team, both being set down in order. While the Phoenix were unsuccessful producing a run again in the top of the second, the Cougars drove across three putting it in the lead.
When Elon took its at-bats in the top of the third, they managed to drive across two runs, cutting the lead to one. The SIUE pitching, however, would step up to keep the Phoenix in check for the rest of the game.
Elon could not manufacture another run to tie the game, and fell to the Cougars, 3-2.
The loss was the third consecutive for the Phoenix and second consecutive for freshman pitcher Kiandra Mitchum who started the season 2-0. With their record sitting at 3-3 on the season, Elon got its second chance at the University of Georgia Bulldogs.
Although the Phoenix had played the Bulldogs Friday afternoon, they could not seem to compete with Georgia. In the whole game, Elon managed one hit that came in the top of the third inning off the bat of senior infielder Aly Quintana.
While Elon’s offense was nearly non-existent, the Bulldogs offense ignited in the game, putting up a run in every inning they hit.
Due to NCAA regulations, since the Bulldogs were leading by ten runs after Elon had its at-bats in the top of the fifth, the game was over. Elon lost 10-0.
Senior Caitlin O’Shea pitched for the Phoenix, giving up eight runs on eight hits in only two innings pitched. She received the loss for the game, but was relieved by senior Chelsea White in the top of the third. White also pitched two innings, only giving up two runs to the Bulldogs, but her performance couldn’t manage to spark the Phoenix bats.
The Georgia Softball Classic produced four consecutive losses for Elon, who opened the season on three straight wins. The Phoenix will return to Hunt Park on Feb. 18 to take on Campbell University.