ANDERSON, S.C. – No. 15 Anderson University softball (14-4, 2-0 SAC) grinded out two closely contested games, winning game one, 3-2 (8), and winning game two, 3-1, over South Atlantic Conference opponent UVA Wise (2-8, 0-2 SAC) on Friday afternoon at the AU Softball Complex.
In game one, Anderson was able to manufactory just enough runs to overtake the Cavaliers on a walk-off, extra-inning sacrifice fly.
Trailing 2-0, the Trojans used three hits and an error to score two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Sophomore Maddie Carpenter singled up the middle to begin the rally. Neadow reached on an error, eventually scoring on senior Yas Laureano's double down the left field line. Freshman Ava Worthy followed with a single to center field, scoring Laureano from second.
Anderson and UVA Wise played the sixth and seventh inning scoreless forcing extra innings. With the placed runner on second, freshman southpaw Carson Hobbs forced two line outs and a strike-out to end the innings. The Black and Gold's placed runner was successfully bunted to third with senior Morgan Charter's fly ball to right center scoring the winning run.
Hobbs (6-2) toed the rubber game one, pitching another gem for the Trojans. The native of Nicholson, Ga., pitched eight innings, giving up five hits and striking out five batters.
Junior Lane Edgington (5-1) commanded game two, pitching seven innings. Edgington scattered six hit while striking out eight batters.
The Trojans got off to a little earlier start, scoring two runs in the bottom of the second and a lone run in the bottom half of the third. Junior Hannah Whitaker doubled to center, followed by senior Olivia Wheeler's walk. Neadow reached on a fielder's choice followed by Hobbs two RBI single up the middle.
UVA Wise's Sarah Barrett hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh to give the Cavaliers life, but Edgington was able to end the threat with a routine pop up to short stop.
AU's Carpenter collected four of the 11 total hits on the day, including a triple.
Anderson remains at home on Sunday to host nonconference opponent Emmanuel. First-pitch of the doubleheader is slated for 1pm.
