Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Jacksonville, FL., -- The Edward Waters softball split their SIAC series opening doubleheader against Benedict on Friday afternoon.

In the opening contest, both teams were strong in the circle, but EWU defeated Benedict 3-1. Riley Kapparis started the game for Edward Waters and recorded 18 outs.

The EWU Lady Tigers got on the board in the bottom of the fourth inning after Aisha Joy Duncan singled, Laura Scott singled down the right field line, and Kylah Gardner tripled to center field, each scoring one run.

Kapparis earned the win for EWU. The pitcher allowed two hits and one run over six innings, striking out seven and walking five. Savannah LePain made her Edward Waters debut and tossed one inning of scoreless ball for EWU in relief. The reliever allowed zero hits, striking out one and walking one.

Gardner went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead the Lady Tigers in hits. Duncan stole two bases.

In the doubleheader finale, Keivana Durand struck out 13 batters, but EWU fell to Benedict 4-3. Durand allowed seven hits and four runs over seven innings while walking none.

Edward Waters got on the board in the fourth inning after Miah Jordan drew a walk, scoring one run.

Benedict captured the lead, 4-2, in the top of the sixth when Shamaria Dupree singled, scoring one run, Jaiara Ruffin singled, scoring one run, and Cayla Crooks doubled, scoring two runs.

Calyn Rounsaville and Victoria Miterko were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected two hits for EWU while hitting back-to-back. Brooke Rice and Rounsaville were a one-two punch in the lineup, as each drove in one run for the Lady Tigers. Jamiah Holmes paced EWU with three walks.

Edward Waters and Benedict will wrap up their three game SIAC East series with a single game Saturday afternoon at 1:00 pm.

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