The Elon University softball team split a doubleheader in its first Southern Conference series of the year against Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. March 15. The Phoenix won the first game 2-1 before being shut out 3-0 in the rubber match.
In the first game, the Phoenix was able to withstand a furious Catamounts comeback in the bottom of the seventh to escape with its lone victory of the three game set.
Leading 2-0 and needing just three outs to secure the win, Elon sophomore starter Kayla Caruso began to show signs of fatigue. She surrendered a leadoff double down the left field line to senior second baseman Makenzi McAteer, who advanced to third on a Caruso error and scored on a sacrifice fly to right from sophomore shortstop Karley Harkey.
Freshman catcher Kara Salvo then singled to left, putting Western Carolina runners on first and second, but Caruso was able to buckle down and get sophomore third baseman Taylor Sigmon for the final out on a comebacker to the circle to secure the win.
The Phoenix had struck for its two runs on a two-run home run to left-center in the top of the first from senior center fielder Carleigh Nester. Although it was all the Phoenix offense could muster, it was enough to even the series up at a game apiece.
Caruso (2-0) went the distance for her second win of the season, giving up one run on nine hits and striking out two.
In the second game, the Catamounts used a stellar performance in the circle by junior pitcher Jordan Garrett and two rallies in the first and fifth innings to blank the Phoenix 3-0 and take the series.
After holding the Phoenix scoreless in its first at-bats, the Catamounts opened up a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first.
Back-to-back singles from senior right fielder Amelia Griffin and Harkey put Catamounts on first and second with no outs for Salvo, who lofted a fly ball to right deep enough for Griffin to take third. When Elon senior shortstop Ali Ford mishandled the relay throw from right, Griffin raced home to score.
After three scoreless innings on both sides, Western Carolina added to its lead in the bottom of the fifth.
Griffin began the inning with an infield single in front of home plate and was moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt from Harkey.
Two batters later, freshman left fielder Courtney Price singled to left, scoring Griffin and stretching the Catamount lead to 2-0. The next batter, sophomore center fielder Amber Kimrey, grounded a ball in front of home plate and beat Elon junior starter Caitlin O’Shea’s throw to first to score freshman Lexi Ross, who had come in to pinch run for Salvo.
O’Shea (4-3) went five innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on nine hits and striking out two.
The series loss drops the Phoenix to 16-8-1 overall, 1-2 in the Southern Conference, while the Catamounts improve to 11-15 on the year, 2-1 in conference play.
The Phoenix will return to action Wednesday, March 19, for a mid-week nonconference game against Towson University. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.