Jacksonville, FL., -- The Edward Waters softball team collected the home doubleheader sweep over SIAC East foe Fort Valley State on Friday afternoon.
In the series opener, both teams were strong in the circle, but Edward Waters defeated Fort Valley State, 3-1.
Keivana Durand started the game for the Lady Tigers and recorded 21 outs. Durand also struck out 10 batters on the day. The starting pitcher also gave up four hits and one run over seven innings while walking none.
A solo home run to left field by Leah Leonard put FVSU on the board in the top of the first.
Joy Duncan stole home, which helped EWU tie the game at one in the bottom of the first.
Edward Waters captured the lead, 3-1, in the bottom of the sixth after
Brooke Rice laid down a sacrifice bunt, and
Dazha Durand singled to center field, each scoring one run.
Tenison Myricks took the loss for the Wildcats. The hurler went six innings, giving up three runs on four hits, striking out seven and walking three.
Rice and Durand were tough to handle back-to-back in the lineup, as each drove in one run for EWU.
Kylah Gardner went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead the Lady Tigers in hits. Gardner and Duncan each stole multiple bases for Edward Waters as the Lady Tigers ran wild on the base paths, piling up six stolen bases for the game.
In the doubleheader finale, EWU took down Fort Valley State University 5-2 to complete the sweep.
Fort Valley got on the board in the top of the first inning after Jasmin Stewart doubled down the left field line, and Tenison Myricks singled down the left field line, each scoring one run.
Edward Waters took the lead in the bottom of the first inning after
Kylah Gardner singled down the right field line,
Dazha Durand hit a sacrifice fly, and
Hailey Vela laid down a sacrifice bunt, each scoring one run.
EWU added one run in the third after
Klaire Spooner grounded out.
Shai-Ann Currie earned the win for Edward Waters. The starting pitcher allowed seven hits and two runs over five and two-thirds innings, striking out one and walking none.
Leadoff hitter
Laura Scott led the Lady Tigers with two hits in three at bats. Gardner, Vela, and Durand each drove in one run for EWU.
Jodee Matos paced Edward Waters with two walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, collecting four walks for the game.
The Lady Tigers will host the visiting Wildcats for one final game of the series on Saturday, March 8. Opening pitch is at 1:00 p.m at Nip Sams Memorial Park in Jacksonville.
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