The Elon University softball team lost its second straight game in Southern Conference Tournament to host University of North Carolina at Greensboro 4-2 May 8 in a consolation bracket game at UNCG Softball Park in Greensboro. The loss was the Phoenix’s second in as many days, thus eliminating them from postseason play.
Elon, the tournament’s No. 8 seed, lost its opener on May 7 to top-seeded Georgia Southern University in a game which saw the first no-hitter in tournament history.
Needing to beat the Spartans to keep its championship aspirations alive, the Phoenix dug itself a hole early, as junior starter Caitlin O’Shea surrendered two runs in the top of the first on a two-run home run to right center from Lindsay Thomas to put the Spartans up 2-0.
After holding the Phoenix’s offense scoreless in the bottom of the first, the Spartans added two more in the top of the second on a passed ball and Thomas’ second homer of the game, a solo shot to left to stretch the Spartans lead to 4-0.
The Phoenix rallied in the bottom of the second to get on the board and cut the Spartans lead to three at 4-1. After a one-out walk, senior right fielder Lauren Oldham singled to center to put runners on the corners for freshman catcher Carey Million, who cashed in the run with a single through the right side.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Phoenix strung together back-to-back singles to put runners on first and second with no outs for junior designated player Grace Eng, who ripped a single through the right side to cut the Spartans lead in half, 4-2.
But the Phoenix could get no closer, as the Spartans shut the door in the sixth and seventh innings to escape with the two-run victory and play live to see another day.
O’Shea (8-15) took the loss after surrendering four runs on eight hits in seven innings.