The Emory University softball program opened conference play on Friday afternoon taking the first game of a three-game series against the Brandeis Judges in Atlanta, Georgia.
The No. 23 ranked Eagles improve to 15-2 on the season and win their ninth straight game. Freshman
Lauryn Selvaraj was able to take the win in the circle closing the game in the last 1.2 innings of work. Junior
Ashley Chu led the Eagles offensively going 3-for-4 at the plate while scoring two runs.
The Judges got their first two hits of the game in the top of the first inning but junior
Mackenzie Duford was able to get out of the inning without allowing a run. Emory struck next in the bottom half of the inning with Chu leading things off with an infield single. After advancing to second, sophomore
Grace Cooper drove a single to the shortstop moving Chu to third. A throwing error from the Judges on the play brought in the first run of the game.
Brandeis scored their first runs of the game on three hits and a walk in the top of the third inning and took a 3-1 lead over the Eagles. Junior
Isabel Cohen came into the game for relief in the top of the fourth inning and continued working to hold the Judges scoreless for the next few innings. Emory was able to tack on another run in the bottom of the fifth with Chu beginning the rally with a two out single and a stolen base. A single from freshman
Rylie Ballog moved Chu to third who later scored on an RBI single from sophomore
Ellie Zerr.
Selvaraj entered the game in the top of the sixth inning getting the final two outs sending the Eagles back to the box. Two singles and a walk loaded the bases for Emory in the bottom of the sixth turning over the lineup. Chu was able to reach first on an error from Brandeis bringing in two more runs for the Eagles for a 4-3 lead.
Selvaraj finished the game with three quick outs in the top of the seventh to clinch Emory's first conference win of the season. The Eagles and Judges will conclude the series tomorrow, Saturday, March 22 at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
