The Elon University softball team started its home season off with a bang, defeating North Carolina A&T State University 14-4 Wednesday afternoon.
Sophomore third baseman Kristin Hoover hit a grand slam in the sixth to end the game on a run-rule. She went 2-3 with two runs and five RBIs in her first game at Elon since transferring from the University of California at Berkeley.
“I had to look up once, but I pretty much knew it was gone,” Hoover said. “Honestly, I was just coming out here to play and help my team do whatever I can.”
The Phoenix jumped on N.C. A&T, scoring five runs in the bottom of the first between four hits and two walks. The Aggie starting pitcher, freshman Mohagony Headen, only threw 21 pitches before she was taken out of the game and replaced by freshman pitcher Zadaisha Young-Waddell.
Elon powered through the game offensively, as sophomore center fielder Kara Shutt, junior catcher Carey Million and freshman shortstop Erica Serafini all went 3-4 and had a combined six RBIs to add to Elon’s win. Sophomore right fielder Alaina Hall added an opposite-field home run, her second of the season.
“A&T brought their A-game today and they were really good,” Hall said. “But I am really impressed with what we brought today.”
After starting the season 2-2 at the University of Georgia’s UGA Black and Red Showcase, Elon heads to Orlando, Florida for the Citrus Classic. The Phoenix will have five games this weekend, including two games against ranked Southeastern Conference schools — No. 13 University of Missouri and No. 1 University of Florida.