Junior center fielder Carleigh Nester has been on a tear for the Elon University softball team. That hot streak continued Tuesday April 23 in a 9-1 win at North Carolina Central University in Durham. Nester hit a pair of home runs and her teammates pounded out a total of 13 hits in the run-rule shortened game.
The first inning was scoreless for both teams, but Elon raced out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the second. Sophomore designated player Caitlin O’Shea hit an RBI groundout, followed by a two-RBI double from junior second baseman Lauren Oldham.
The host Eagles scored their lone run in the bottom of the frame off of Elon sophomore pitcher Chelsea White.
Nester’s first home run came in the top of the third – a two-run shot that also scored senior left fielder Tomeka Watson.
After another run in the fourth, Nester was up again. This time, the Kernersville native hit another two-run home run that brought home O’Shea.
Elon scored its final run on an Oldham RBI single in the fifth, which plated sophomore first baseman Sarah Little.
Senior pitcher Kari Pervell made her first appearance of the season for Elon and worked a scoreless fifth to preserve the win.
In all, Nester finished 2-2 with a walk and four RBI. Oldham went 2-4 with three RBI. Watson and sophomore right fielder Amanda Allen also had two-hit games for Elon.
White’s personal record improved to 4-13 with the win, while Elon’s overall record was upped to 16-28.
Elon returns home Wednesday night to face the Wolfpack of North Carolina State University at 6:00 p.m.