Due to inclement weather, the Elon University softball team’s final home game of the season was ruled as a no-contest Sunday afternoon.
After splitting the games on Senior Day at Hunt Softball Park yesterday, a series win against the College of Charleston Cougars was on the line. However, three innings into the rubber match, the game was delayed. Both teams left the field with Charleston leading 1-0 due to an error by senior shortstop Bella Devesa that would have ended the top of the second inning but eventually came around to score with two outs.
After an hour-long wait, both teams mutually agreed to a no-contest due to continuous rainfall and unplayable field conditions.
Head coach Kathy Bocock said the seniors on her team understood the decision to not finish out their final home game. She said she would rather have the game be a no-contest than have a member of either team get hurt because of the bad weather.
“They know that we still have ball games,” Bocock said. “It's not like it was their last game, they know that moving forward we’re gonna keep playing and so we’re excited about that.”
While today was a no-contest, Elon’s win yesterday did officially secure the Phoenix’s spot in the CAA championship. Bocock said even though Elon is firmly in the tournament field, its upcoming weekend series against North Carolina A&T is going to be very important for the Phoenix. Elon is currently in fourth place in the CAA standings with a 12-7 record.
With seeding still subject to change in the final week of the regular season, Bocock said having her players try to get to full health to play their best softball will be key moving forward.
“We’re gonna have to stay strong in the pitching area,” Bocock said. “Our hitters are going to be working to stay strong with that too and try to stay healthy and just play Elon softball like we’re capable of.”
The Phoenix will look to this weekend in Greensboro for its last conference series against the University of North Carolina A&T Aggies (31-19, 10-11). The first game of three against the Aggies is scheduled for May 5 at 3 p.m.