DANVILLE, Va. – The Sweet Briar College softball team (9-12, 2-6 ODAC) made history with the program's first-ever win over the Averett University Cougars (11-11, 5-1 ODAC) this afternoon. After falling in the first game 6-0, the Vixens rallied back to take the second, 4-0.
Game One
The Cougars took the 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first with a single down the leftfield line. The home team remained only one run ahead for the next four innings until a five-run bottom of the sixth increased their lead to six.
With Sweet Briar unable to score a run in the top of the seventh, the first game of the doubleheader ended in favor of Averett, 6-0.
First-year
Ambyre Taylor (Arrington, Va.) got the start in the circle for the Vixens and struck out two of the 12 batters she faced through three innings. In relief, sophomores
Alyssa O'Quinn (Powhatan, Va.) and
Anna Smith (Rocky Mount, Va.) saw a combined three innings of action with O'Quinn striking out one.
At the plate, sophomore
Victoria Tew (Hope Mills, N.C.) led the team with two hits. Tew also recorded a team-high six putouts at first base.
Game Two
Game two on the day was also a close affair through the first four innings of action with neither team on the board as play entered the top of the fifth.
Singles from sophomore
Kaylie Hudson (Lynchburg, Va.) and Taylor allowed Sweet Briar to take its first lead of the day as three runs crossed home plate.
A single to left centerfield by sophomore
Ilka-Marie Kuleba (Endy, N.C.) ensured the 4-0 victory for the team in the sixth inning as the seventh went scoreless.
Taylor saw all seven innings in the circle and struck out eight while allowing only one hit.
Taylor's two RBIs led the Vixens' offense while Kuleba went three-for-three at the plate with one RBI.
First-year catcher
Ciara Nauful (Forest, Va.) recorded eight putouts.
Highlights
- Kuleba has now had a hit in all of her at-bats in three games so far this season.
- Taylor has contributed at least one RBI in three games that she has also won as a pitcher.
What's Next
Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) continues as the Vixens head to Roanoke on April 6th before returning to host Bridgewater on April 7th.
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