The Elon University softball team split a doubleheader against No. 6 James Madison University Saturday, winning 5-4 win in 15 innings in the first game and losing 8-1 in the second game.
The first game saw four lead changes occur throughout the marathon three-hour, 41-minute endeavor. Elon spread its 10 hits amongst eight batters in their line-up but one stood out in the key moments. Freshman second baseman Erica Serafini finished 2-6 with two RBI that came in the 10th, when she tied the game at 3 with a two-out, two-run single.
Senior first baseman Emily Cameron celebrated her senior day by scoring the game winning run in the 15th inning.
“They had everything to lose we had nothing,” said head coach Kathy Bocock. “I know we can play with best and the key is getting them to believe it and they do believe it. When we play the best we bring our all and our talents are shown.”
Senior pitcher Kayla Caruso was on the mound for all 15 innings for Elon and threw a total of 197 pitches. She struck out seven and only walked one in her complete game win. It’s the second 15-inning game the Phoenix has played in a week, after losing to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington 4-3 last Sunday.
“JMU hasn’t had to face any 15 inning games, so we knew if we could push through, we could come out with that one,” said sophomore center fielder Kara Shutt.
Shutt also had a big day, setting a new school-record for doubles in a single season when she hit her 21st double in the second game. Although the Phoenix did not come out with the win in that game, the victory over the nationally-ranked Dukes will always be a memorable day for the program.
The third game of the series was cancelled because of rain Sunday.