SWEET BRIAR, Va. --- The Vixen Softball team hosted fellow Old Dominion Athletic Conference opponent Guilford College on Saturday, April 14. The Quakers sit just two spots above Sweet Briar in league standings and with the 2012 scheduling drawing to a close, both squads were keen on collecting ODAC wins.
Saturday's double-header was designated as senior day for three-year SBC player Christen Campbell (Appomattox, Va./Appomattox). Head Coach Danielle Delude had this to say about Campbell, who was joined on the field by her immediate family in the pre-game ceremony, "Christen has been a rock during her career here at Sweet Briar. After primarily being a catcher, Christen shifted gears and picked up pitching duties during her senior season. She made the change without complaint, bringing energy and enthusiasm with her. We will miss Christen's team-first attitude and wish her the best in all of her future endeavors."
Although four Vixens reached base in game one, the SBC team could not generate a run. After leadoff batter Hollie Halford (Greenville, Ala./Greenville) struck out swinging in the Vixens' first at bat, Amanda Catlett (Spotsylvania, Va./Spotsylvania) drew a walk to get the offense going for the Vixens. The Quakers then recorded two consecutive outs to end the inning. In their next at bat, SBC had another scoring opportunity, but failed to convert.
With two outs, Brooke Scott (Houston, Tex./Episcopal) walked and then advanced to second on a Mary Earnhart (Annandale, Va./Falls Church) single to center field. In the subsequent at bat, Vixen center fielder Loralei Whittaker (Chesapeake, Va./Western Branch) struck out looking to retire the side.
In the fourth inning the Vixens again gave themselves a chance to score, but could not push a runner across the plate. Campbell singled to start the inning and then advanced to second after Scott struck out swinging. The senior pitcher then moved to third on a dropped third strike for batter Janiecia Mitchell (Bluffton, S.C./Bluffton). With two outs and Campbell on third, Elizabeth Snyder (Newport News, Va./Denbigh) stood at the plate. The first-year struck out swinging, leaving Campbell stranded on third, to end the inning. Guilford, who held an eight-run advantage after the first inning, went on to win the game (12-0) after retiring, in order, the final three Vixen batters.
In game two, the Quakers again used a big first inning to put the game out of reach for the Vixens. SBC looked to score in the bottom of the second when Scott singled to center field and then advanced to second on a passed ball. The next two batters were retired to end the inning with Scott left on base. Scott hit a lead off single in the bottom of the fifth, but to no avail. The next three SBC batters struck out to end the game with the visitors taking the twin bill wins.
The Vixens are back in action on Sunday, April 15. The team heads west for a double-header with Roanoke College. The ODAC contest is set to begin at 1:30 p.m. The Vixens return to campus for their last home game of the season Tuesday, April 17. Lynchburg College visits the Vixens and the first game is set to begin at 3 p.m.
Fans are also reminded that you can keep up with all things Vixen Athletics on Facebook and Twitter. And for more Vixen Athletics stories, check out our blog.
