The Basics

Game One: Evangel 1, Avila 6 | Box Score

Game Two: Evangel 6, Avila 5 | Box Score

Record: Evangel (1-1), Avila (1-1)

Location: Kansas City, Mo. (The Z)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Valor Softball traveled to Kansas City to take on the Avila Eagles for their season opener. The Valor bats struggled to generate much offense in game one, but came alive in the fifth inning of game two, pushing EU to a split with Avila, 1-6 and 6-5.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Valor and Eagles battled in game one as both starters went at least five innings. The bottom of the sixth hurt Evangel as the Eagles plated six runs and ultimately took the win, 6-1, after EU scored a single run in the top of the seventh.

• An Ali Raley grand slam in game two proved to be the difference maker for Evangel in their game two win, 6-5.

• Raley led the Valor at the dish, going 3-6, with four RBIs.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Strong starting pitching highlighted game one as Samantha Romano took the mound for Evangel. The Valor were able to get through the first five innings without giving up a run, but had not scored a run of their own.

• In the bottom of the sixth, Avila broke the game open, scoring six runs on several singles to go up 6-0.

• Evangel was able to get Raley and Kenna Mayfield on base, but were only able to score Keeley Aaron, who was courtesy running for the catcher, ending the game, 6-1, in favor of Avila.

• Avila was able to keep their offense rolling, scoring four runs in the first three innings of game two to take a 4-0 lead.

• In the top of the fourth, Karlie Romines doubled and advanced to third on a wild pitch. A Naomi Perkins groundout was able to score Romines, cutting the Avila lead to just three runs, 4-1. 

• Evangel's big break came in the fifth inning. Annslee Leeviraphan walked, followed by a Brooke Arnold single and Megan Stone hit by pitch, loading the bases for Evangel. Enter Raley into the picture and a no doubt grand slam for the Valor on a 2-2 pitch gave EU the 5-4 lead in the fifth.

• The Valor were able to add an insurance run later in the inning when Kenna Mayfield wisely took home on a Romines walk. The pitcher missed the throw back from the catcher for Avila and Mayfield took off to put the Valor ahead, 6-4.

• Avila would strike back, scoring an additional run in the bottom of the fifth, but the Valor were able to shut down the Eagles in the sixth and seventh, leading to a 6-5 victory.

NOTABLE

• Evangel recorded just a .204 batting average on Friday, recording 10 hits on 49 at bats.

• The Valor pitchers recorded 10 strikeouts combined over both games.

UP NEXT

Evangel will take on KCAC foe Saint Mary tomorrow (Feb. 11) afternoon at 1:00 p.m. in Leavenworth, Kan.

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—