Hosting its first tournament of the year, the Elon University softball team defeated Wagner College 2-0 Friday afternoon at Hunt Softball Park.
Both teams were scoreless until the bottom of the third when junior shortstop Hannah Olson raced around the bases to score Elon’s first run. Olson got on off of a two-base error, advanced to third on a infield hit by junior infielder/outfielder Kristen Hoover, and scored on a wild pitch.
“Whenever I see an opportunity to make a move, I always do it,” Olson said. “I wanted to make something happen.”
Elon added its only other run later that inning, when senior catcher Carey Million singled home Hoover.
Freshman pitcher Kenna Quinn pitched her second shutout of the season, giving up five hits and one walk while striking out one in seven innings. Quinn kept Wagner grounded by inducing 14 groundouts, complementing the defense after the game.
Elon head coach Kathy Bocock appreciated returning back to Hunt Softball Park after Elon lost all five games at the Citrus Classic in Florida, including a 3-1 loss in an exhibition game against the Czech Republic national team. But Bocock felt Elon’s offense could have done better than the four hits it had Friday.
“We love our field. We love playing in front of our fans. I think we had a good energy today,” Bocock said. “I would like to see us doing a better job hitting the gaps.”
The win improves Elon to 8-6 on the season. The Phoenix plays a doubleheader Saturday, taking on Wagner again at 2:30 p.m. before facing Iona College at 4:45 p.m.