SALEM, Va. – The Randolph College Softball Team (27-14) advanced with a 2-0 win over Emory & Henry College (23-15) in an elimination game in the 2014 Old Dominion Athletic Conference Tournament at the James I. Moyer Sports Complex.
E&H completes the 2014 season with its first winning season since 2007 and just the sixth 20-win season in program history. The Wasps also reached the ODAC postseason for the second time in three years after a five-year layoff.
After a pair of scoreless innings to open the game, Randolph got on the board in the top of the third when Hannah Cook doubled to right centerfield, driving in Hunter Glave and Brittney Via for a 2-0 lead.
The WildCats got a trio of runners on base with one out in the top of the seventh frame, but the Wasps' defense held strong, forcing two straight popups to get out of the inning.
Down to its final three outs, Emory & Henry got a runner on base with two outs, but freshman third baseman Ragan Halsey (Hillsville, Va.) got a base hit to right centerfield to keep the fight alive. The Wasps were unable to get another baserunner, falling 2-0, and ending their season.
Cook had two hits and two RBI to lead Randolph while Glave tallied a hit and had a run scored. Logan Carter picked up the complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits while striking out three.
E&H managed just four hits on the day with sophomore Hannah Bays (Abingdon, Va.) and freshmen Hasley, Devynne Stiltner (Meadowview, Va.) and Riley Pudney (Beech Mountain, N.C.) tallying base knocks. Junior right-hander Brandy Bryant (Salem, Va.) had a strong outing in the circle, scattering two runs and eight hits over seven innings of work with eight strikeouts.
Emory & Henry will now await the announcement of the 2014 All-ODAC Softball Teams, which will come early next week after the conclusion of the conference tournament.
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