Box Score Sophomore Taylor Forte's two-out single in the top of the seventh inning scored Ashley Powers with the game's lone run and gave the No. 7-ranked Emory softball team a dramatic 1-0 win over Averett University Saturday afternoon in the Atlanta Regional of the NCAA D-III Tournament. The Eagles boosted their season record to 33-7 with the 1-0 triumph over the No. 21 Cougars who slipped to 35-4-1.
Emory sophomore Brittany File and Averett's Mary Beth Smith engaged in an outstanding pitching match-up with each player tossing a complete game. File recorded her second straight two-hit shutout, striking out five batters in raising her season record to 16-4. Smith surrendered just four hits and fanned seven with her won-lost slate now standing at 19-4. File worked herself out of a couple of jams during the course of the game with Averett stranding a pair of runners in the first while leaving the bases loaded in the third.
"Both pitchers were outstanding today," said Emory head coach Penny Siqueiros. "There were a couple of times where it looked like we had things going offensively, but we would shoot ourselves in the foot by not executing in subsequent plays. But, the team had the will and found a way to get the win.
"Brittany was both focused and poised and in command of her physical and mental game," Siqueiros continued. "Plus, Melody Carter called a great game behind the plate."
Forte ended the contest with two hits, her 12th multi-hit performance of the season, while senior Micah Scharff and sophomore Tara Fallahee registered the other Emory safeties.
Playing as the visiting team, Emory began the seventh with a leadoff double by Fallahee. After moving to third following a groundout, Fallahee wisely stayed put when Powers reached on a fielder's choice. After senior Briana Berceau was inserted as a pinch runner for Fallahee, Powers stole second. Berceau was then out at the plate on a fielder's choice with Powers moving to third, setting the stage for Forte.
With triumphs in its opening two games, Emory needs one win to advance to next weekend's Super Regionals. The Eagles will attempt to nail down that victory at noon on Sunday. If the Eagles drop that contest, there will be a deciding game that is slated to begin at 2:30 pm.
