TAMPA, Fla. – Embry-Riddle softball splits on Saturday to complete the weekend series at Tampa, dropping game one 2-1 and picking up a 2-1 win in game two.

With the win, ERAU moves to 16-15 and earns the second Sunshine State Conference victory of the season.

RECORDS
Embry-Riddle: 16-15 (2-10 SSC)
Tampa: 21-7 (8-4 SSC)

ALL-TIME SERIES

• Embry-Riddle snaps a 14-game losing streak to the Spartans, picking up the first win over Tampa since April 1, 2022.
• Three of the five ERAU wins over UT have come by one-run decisions.

Game 1 | Embry-Riddle – 1, Tampa – 2 (9 Inn.)
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Embry-Riddle placed three runners on the basepaths in the opening frame thanks to a bunt single from Leah Oberkehr, a base hit from Emma Wood, and an error from the Spartans.
• ERAU closed out the first inning with three runners left on base as part of four scoreless innings for the Eagles.
• After three consecutive three-up, three-down innings, the Eagles struck first with a two-hit outing in the fifth inning.
• Gianna Domenici pinch hit for Ava Arnold, knocking a single to right field.
• Arnold would return as the baserunner and later scored on a single up the middle from Oberkehr for the 1-0 lead.
• Tampa answered in the sixth with a leadoff error and an RBI double to tie the game.
• Seven innings of play would not be enough for either team as the contest was extended to nine frames.
• In the eighth, Kendall Wilkie batted a one-out single but was left stranded.
• Tampa reached on an error and gathered two walks to load the bases but closed with a foul out and a line out.
• The Spartans walked off the game in the ninth inning, placing runners on with a hit and an error before scoring on an RBI bunt for the 2-1 win.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Both teams recorded seven hits apiece with Oberkehr leading the way for ERAU with two hits and an RBI.
• ERAU was 2-for-2 in pinch hitting.
• Shelby Morse recorded three strikeouts in 8.2 innings pitched, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks.

Game 2 | Embry-Riddle – 2, Tampa – 1
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Eagles utilized some late-game production at the plate to secure a narrow victory in the seventh inning.
• ERAU produced three innings of hitless action before recording a leadoff double from Wood in the fourth frame.
• Tampa put together a two-hit outing in the third inning to take a 1-0 lead, scoring on an RBI bunt.
• Arnold doubled in the fifth but was left stranded to close the inning.
• After a scoreless sixth frame, Embry-Riddle got the inning started thanks to a single from Mattea Martin.
• Vanessa Gilbert reached on a sac bunt turned error, moving into scoring position.
• Addison Orr managed to reach first on a fielder's choice which scored Martin for the equalizer.
• Arnold notched an RBI ground out for the go-ahead score and the eventual winning run.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Arnold, Martin, and Wood recorded a hit each while ERAU was behind 4-3 in overall hits.
• Wood and Arnold both recorded doubles.
• Olivia Dougherty pitched a complete game, giving up one earned run on four hits and a season-high nine strikeouts.

NEXT UP

• The Eagles return to play on April 2 with a 6 p.m. home game against No. 8 Saint Leo to open the series against the Lions.