Knowing rain was headed to Greenville, S.C., the Elon University and Furman University softball teams moved up Saturday’s doubleheader by a half hour. Unfortunately for the teams, only one game was completed and Sunday’s two games were washed out.
In the game that was completed, a walk-off home run by freshman shortstop Sieara Bishop propelled the host Paladins to a 3-2 win.
Sophomore pitcher Chelsea White started for Elon and surrendered a run in the first inning on a sacrifice fly by senior right fielder Stephanie Field. Field’s RBI plated junior center fielder Nikki Legg.
The Paladins loaded the bases in the third inning, but torrential rains forced a two hour and 58 minute delay. Once play resumed, sophomore second baseman Taylor Jenkins drew a bases-loaded walk.
Elon was down to its final out down 2-0 in the seventh inning when senior left fielder Tomeka Watson reached on an error. Junior center fielder Carleigh Nester was determined to extend the game. She launched a game-tying two-run home run. An out later, White went back to the circle to try and force extras.
After an out, Bishop strode to the plate and ended the game with one swing.
Six Elon players recorded a hit in the contest but eight Phoenix runners were left aboard before the Nester home run.
White took the loss to fall to 4-14 on the season. Elon’s overall record fell to 16-30, 5-14 in the Southern Conference. Furman improved to 25-24, 8-10 in conference.
The two teams played two innings of game two on Saturday evening before play was suspended due to darkness. Sunday’s resumption and subsequent game three were cancelled due to heavy rain.