Hawks Softball Takes Down Emory To Advance To Regional Championship

MONTGOMERY, Ala.- Following up on their first ever regional victory in program history, Huntingdon Softball returned to action today against the #3 seeded Eagles of Emory University as they aimed to advance to the regional championship on their home field. 

After a slow start for both sides, Huntingdon jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning before falling behind 3-2 entering the seventh. When it mattered most however, the Hawks got hot at the plate, scoring three runs to walk away with the 5-3 victory.

How it happened

Earning the start in her first appearance at the NCAA tournament level, CCS Rookie Pitcher of the Year Addison Gaines controlled the pace of the game for the Hawks from the circle, holding Emory without a hit through the first three innings. Her dominance at the mound allowed for Huntingdon's batters to find their rhythm as the game went along, as the Hawks tacked on their first run of the game in the fourth through Lauren Watts off a Jordan Holman single. Miranda Treadway was walked at the following at-bat with the bases loaded, scoring Mandy Cannon to give Huntingdon a two run advantage entering the final three innings of play. 

The Eagles' first base hit came in the ensuing frame, but Gaines remained poised, forcing two consecutive outs immediately after to quickly retire the side. Emory finally broke through in the sixth inning however, scoring three runs to collect a one run lead with one inning to go. In need of a run to stay alive, Riley Rudick managed to single through the left side, bringing home Holman to tie things up before Kylie Stephens returned the favor to Rudick with a double, scoring Riley and Kate Dinkel to advance the Hawks to the regional championship with a 5-3 victory.

What's next?

Following their victory over the Berry Vikings, Emory has earned a rematch with Huntingdon in tomorrow's regional championship round. First pitch is set for 11:00 AM CT.