Emory Softball Captures Three Of Four Games At Chick-fil-A Classic

The Emory University softball team enjoyed a productive weekend at the Chick-fil-A Classic, posting wins in three of four games.  Serving as host of the Chick-fil-A Classic was Rhodes College.

Emory opened play with a tough 2-0 setback to Rhodes on Saturday before closing out the day with a resounding 14-4, five-inning triumph over Hendrix College.  On Sunday, the Eagles got a measure of revenge against Rhodes, registering a 7-1 win and then closed out the weekend with an exciting 4-3 come-from-behind victory over Hendrix. 

The Eagles, 6-6 on the year, return to action on March 9 when they play Brandeis in the opening game of the UAA Tournament in Altamonte Springs, Florida.

Rhodes 2, Emory 0 - Rhodes College pitcher Chelsea Peters keeps Emory's bats in check, allowing just four hits in the complete-game win.  Emory sophomore Bridget Holloway turns in a solid effort on the mound, surrendering four hits while striking out three in six innings of work.  Emory has runners on second and third with nobody out in the first inning but can't push any runs across the plate.  The Lynx score both their runs in the bottom of the fourth when Elise Suna hits a two-out, two-run double.

Emory 14, Hendrix College 4 (5 innings) - The Eagles roar back and get a split on the opening day of action at the Classic, rapping out 17 hits that include home runs by senior Caitlin Fitzgerald and freshman Brittany Boeshore.  Senior Cassie Walsh, sophomore Jen Haag each pick up three hits while Boeshore and Fitzgerald each total three RBIs.  Emory jumps on the Warriors with five runs in the first frame and tack on four more in the second with Fitzgerald hitting a solo homer and Boeshore coming through with a two-run blast.

Emory 7, Rhodes 1 - Freshman southpaw Jamie Melson gets Emory off to a good start on Sunday, notching a complete-game victory, giving up just three hits while fanning four.  Freshman first baseman Ellen Kocoloski hits her second round tripper of the year in the second, one of her two hits in the contest, which provides the Eagles with their first run of the game.  Sophomore Jessica Thomas knocks in a pair of runs in the third, upping Emory's advantage to 3-0.  The Eagles blow the game wide open by crossing the plate four times in the fourth.

Emory 4, Hendrix 3 - The Eagles stage a dramatic rally in the bottom of the seventh, scoring three times to wipe out a 3-1 Hendrix lead.  Emory takes advantage of two Warriors' errors in the inning to pick up the win.  Fitzgerald has a big game offensively with three hits in four trips to the plate.  Walsh and Thomas each finish with two hits and one RBI.  Senior Marion Holland tosses 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief en route to being credited with the win.