DURHAM – For the first time in almost six years, the Elon University softball team did not tally a hit on Monday, as the No. 11 Duke University Blue Devils shutout the Phoenix 4-0.
The two teams were originally slated to play a home-and-home series Friday and Saturday. However, due to heavy rain over the weekend, Elon’s home game was canceled and Duke’s home game was rescheduled for today.
The Phoenix put just four runners on base, none of which came via a hit. This was the first time since April 23, 2017, against Hofstra University that Elon did not register a hit, snapping a streak of 297 consecutive games with at least one.
Elon did not put a runner on base in its first six at-bats and Duke took an early 1-0 lead with a sacrifice fly off freshman starting pitcher Michaela Hobson. In the top of the third, the Phoenix loaded the bases after a fielder’s choice, an error and a walk. However, sophomore third baseman Allee Seering grounded into another fielder’s choice with two outs to end the scoring threat.
The Blue Devils immediately capitalized on Elon’s missed opportunity, plating two more runs in the bottom of the frame to stretch their lead to 3-0. Duke added another run in the bottom of the fourth.
In the final four innings, Elon did not advance a runner past first base. Duke retired the Phoenix in order in the top of the seventh to end the game.
Sophomore Isley Duggins relieved Hobson in the bottom of the third and finished the game. The two pitchers combined to throw 86 pitches. Only two of the four runs scored were earned.
Elon held Duke, who entered Monday scoring over six runs per game, below their season average and limited them to just seven hits. This was the fewest hits Elon has allowed in its four games against Atlantic Coast Conference opponents this season.
The loss was Elon’s third straight and the second to come in a non-conference game. The Phoenix will host North Carolina Central on Tuesday at 5 p.m. before returning to Colonial Athletic Association play with a three-game weekend series against the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, who defeated Elon in last season’s conference championship game.