The Elon University softball team was soundly beaten by Furman University, 9-0 in five innings, in the series opener at Hunt Softball Park.
The Paladins struck first in the top of the second, with senior starter Lauren Collier pounding a 3-2 pitch from Phoenix junior starter Chelsea White over the fence in straightaway center to give the Paladins an early 1-0 lead.
After holding the Phoenix scoreless in the bottom of the second, the Paladins added two runs in the top of the third.
Junior second baseman Taylor Jenkins drove in Furman’s second run with a single to left and junior third baseman Natalie Clemmons, the next batter, singled to stretch the Paladins lead to 3-0.
In the top of the fourth, freshman designated player Elise Smith tripled down the right field line to make it 4-0, and junior left fielder Ambree Muller pounded a two-run home run to right to add two more.
An inning later, the Paladins stretched their lead to 9-0 on a solo home run to center from Clemmons and a single up the middle from senior center fielder Nikki Legg.
The game was then called after the Phoenix was again held scoreless in the bottom of the fifth.
White (7-6) was saddled with the loss, going all five innings and giving up nine runs on 13 hits, walking two and striking out one.
Elon will conclude its series against the Paladins with a doubleheader on Sunday, March 30. The first game will begin at noon and the second game will be played 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first.