COLUMBUS, Ga. – After a week off due to inclement weather, Evangel hit the road, taking on Thomas University and Bryan College at the NFCA Softball Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Ga. Evangel fell in their first matchup to Thomas, 2-1, in an extra inning battle. In game two against Bryan College, the Valor held a lead until a big fifth inning for the Lions who were ultimately victorious, 4-1.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Abby Jo Emmitt (2-2) pitched well in relief for game one and started game two, finishing her day with 10 strikeouts and only four earned runs, but was credited with both losses.

• The Night Hawks of Thomas used a complete game from Larran Carter to give them the win in game one.

• Evangel took a one-run lead in both games to start, but both Bryan and Thomas found their offense late in the game.

• Bryan's starting pitcher held the Valor to just four hits. Once the Lions were able to grab a lead, Haley Stahl closed the door on any Valor comeback.

• Brooke Arnold provided the majority of Evangel's offense, scoring the lone RBI in game one and hitting an extra base hit in game two.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Mariah Hanner singled to left field to kick off the second inning, but was called out on a fielder's choice hit by Kaydran Russell. Russell stole second base and then scored thanks to an Arnold single to right field, the Valor's lone run of game one.

• Thomas tied the game up in the bottom of the third, thanks to an HBP, followed by a Valor error and a sacrifice fly.

• The Valor and Night Hawks traded stops throughout the remainder of innings. In the top of the 8th, Evangel was unable to advance the runner placed on second base. Thomas took full advantage of the opportunity, launching a double to center field, scoring the walk-off run for the Night Hawks.

• In game two, Evangel again began the scoring for both teams, as Megan Stone singled, stole second, and then scored off an Ali Raley single.

• The Valor were not able to generate any offense the remainder of the game as Bryan held Evangel scoreless.

• The Lions used a big fifth inning to grab a 4-1 lead over EU, one they never relinquished.

• Evangel was able to get runners on first and second, but came up short, leaving them on base.

NOTABLE

• Emmitt recorded her first two losses of the season on Friday.

• Hanner recorded her first RBI of the season in the Valor loss to Bryan.

• Stone, Arnold, and Raley all finished their afternoons with three hits a piece.

UP NEXT

Evangel will continue their road trip in Georgia, taking on Kentucky Christian, Lawrence Tech, and Indiana Wesleyan on Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m.

For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, visit Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelValor, Twitter (@EvangelValor), or EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on their favorite EU teams by downloading the Evangel Athletics Gameday App through the App Store or Google Play.  

—#OneValor—