DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – After dropping game one of a three-game series, the Embry-Riddle softball team bounced back nicely on Saturday afternoon. ERAU won both games of the doubleheader by a combined two runs. The Eagles won game one by a final score of 11-10 and won game two 2-1. The Blue and Gold improve to 10-3 overall and 5-1 in Sunshine State Conference play, while Nova Southeastern drops to 7-11 and 2-4. 

Game 1

Things did not start ideally for the Eagles, allowing Nova Southeastern to score five runs in the first inning. Three of those runs were on bases-loaded walks and a hit by pitch. The Eagles scored their first run in the bottom of the first as Maggie Scott crossed the plate thanks to a wild pitch. The Sharks tacked on one more in the top of the second taking a commanding 6-1 lead. 

Fortunately, Embry-Riddle showed immense intestinal fortitude and ignored the five-run deficit. The Eagles scored two runs in the bottom of the second with a two-RBI double by Maggie Scott. It was not until the third inning when the Eagles took the lead. Destiny Carroll got things going with an RBI double to right center. B. Limon knocked in two more runs with a two-RBI double of her own to tie the game at 6-6. Mackie Chandler gave  ERAU their first lead of the game on an RBI single. Kailah Rain drove in the final run of the frame with an RBI single to center. After three innings of play, the Eagles lead 8-6. 

The runs kept coming for Embry-Riddle, tacking on two more in the bottom of the fourth. Destiny Carroll had an RBI single to left field and would come around to score thanks to some heads-up base running. However, Nova put worth their best comeback attempt, scoring four runs in the top of the fifth. 

With the score even at 10-10, the Eagles would have a chance for a walk-off victory in the bottom of the seventh. Maggie Scott capitalized on her chance at the dish, hitting a leadoff triple. The next batter was Kailah Rain, who came through in the clutch, hitting a sacrifice fly to score Scott and give the Eagles the 11-10 win. 

Lisa Hop picked up the victory for the Blue and Gold. Hop pitched two and two-thirds innings, allowed five runs (all earned) off two hits, four walks and striking out two. Jayla Jackson pitched in relief, going four and one-third innings, allowing five runs (all earned off six hits, three walks and striking out five. Destiny Carroll was a monster at the plate, going 3-4 with a double, two runs and two RBI's. Maggie Scoot was a force as well, hitting 3-4 with a double, a triple, two stolen bases, three runs and two RBI's. Kailah Rain, Peqe Lopez, and ReAnne Drayton all had at least two hits. 

Game 2

Game two would be the exact opposite of game one as pitching became the focal point. Both pitchers were unhittable for much of the contest allowing a combined three runs between them. Ilona Andringa pitched a complete game for the Eagles and picked up the win. Andringa allowed one run (unearned) off five hits along with five strikeouts. This would be the sixth win of the season for Andringa.  

It wasn't until the bottom of the fourth when the first run was put up on the scoreboard. ReAnne Drayton hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score Mariana Pereira on the play. Nova Southeastern tied the game at 1-1 in the fifth due to a fielding error by Destiny Carroll.  

Someone had to step up if Embry-Riddle wanted to walk away with back-to-back victory's. Lisa Hop came through in the bottom of the six, reaching on a fielder's choice, which allowed Mackie Chandler to score. This would be the nail in the coffin as the Eagles won by a final of 2-1. Maggie Scott and Peqe Lopez each had two hits in the contest. 

Embry-Riddle returns to action on Tuesday, Feb. 27 to take on American International. It will be a doubleheader between the two schools with the first pitch of game one scheduled for 4 pm.