Despite an early deficit, the Phoenix offense rallied for the victory Sunday, March 15 in its game against the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Elon produced seven hits that led to six runs, while only allowing two runs to the Spartans. Elon defeated UNCG, 6-2.
Freshman Kiandra Mitchum started on the mound for Elon and threw 5.2 innings. Mitchum only allowed two runs that were unearned in her time on the mound. She recorded two strikeouts and allowed five hits before being relieved by senior Caitlin O’Shea and junior Kayla Caruso who combined to finish the game. The two relievers sent a cold streak into the Spartan offense. They would not allow another hit or run for the rest of the game. Mitchum was awarded the win, her seventh on the season, improving her to second in the Colonial Athletic Association in wins.
Unlike the Spartan offense, Elon flourished at the UNCG Softball Stadium. Six of nine players in the lineup for the Phoenix recorded hits.
Fighting a two run deficit in the top of the third inning, the Phoenix offense swelled. With the bases loaded and one out, Kara Shutt roped a triple to right center, clearing the bases. Two batters later, junior Emily Cameron hit a single, scoring Shutt. Elon ended the inning with four runs driven across and a 4-2 lead.
The fourth inning produced no runs, but in the top of the fifth, an error by the Spartan defense allowed sophomore Alaina Hall to score, increasing the Phoenix lead to three. One inning later, with one out senior Aly Quintana stepped to the plate. Quintana had a 1-0 count and on the next pitch she drove the ball over the left field fence for a solo home run. The four-bagger was Quintana’s second of the year. With a sizeable lead, Elon had enough to seal the deal. The Phoenix recorded its 14 win of the year, 6-2.
The win was the third straight for Elon. It will return to Hunt Park ] Tuesday, March 17 for a doubleheader against Rider University at 4 p.m.