For the second time in three games, the Elon University softball team was beaten by Campbell University.
The first time was a low-scoring, hotly-contested game in Florida at the Hatter Invitational in DeLand, Fla., This time, the Camels held the Phoenix offense in check while breaking out themselves for a convincing 9-2 win in Buies Creek, N.C.
Campbell jumped on Elon right away in the bottom of the first. Freshman right fielder Milly Martinet pounded a three-run home run over the right field wall to put her team up 3-0 and chase the Phoenix’s junior starter Chelsea White out of the game after getting just one Camel batter out.
After a scoreless second for both teams, senior shortstop Ali Ford hit her first career home run in the top of the third to put the Phoenix on the board. Three batters later, sophomore right fielder Emily Cameron ripped a single into right, scoring freshman left fielder Alaina Hall and pulling Elon within one.
It was the bottom of that frame, though, that Campbell broke the game open, scoring six runs on six hits to go up 9-2 and effectively put the game out of reach for the Phoenix.
White (1-3) took the loss, giving up 3 runs on three hits. Neither freshman Alli Burdette or junior Caitlin O’Shea did any better in relief. Burdette gave up four runs on hits, while O’Shea surrendered two runs on two hits.
The loss drops the Phoenix to 5-3-1 overall.
The Phoenix will return to action Feb. 21 when it host Niagara University in the opening game of the Phoenix Opening Tournament. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.