The University of Mary Washington softball team swept its Saturday doubleheader at Southern Virginia University, winning the opener, 6-2, and then coming from behind to win the second, 7-5. The Eagles advance to the CAC Tournament next week, and close the regular season with a record of 22-18.
The first game proved to be a pitcher's duel early, as neither team could score for four innings. The Eagles pushed across their first run in the fifth, as Caroline Callahan walked, stole second, and advanced to third on a passed ball. Hannah Bruns then reached on an error to plate Callahan with the first run.
UMW broke the game open with five runs in the sixth. Malia Rogers led off with a single, stole second, and scored as Kristen Lundquist reached on an error. Danielle Newman singled, and both runners advanced on an error. Mikie Williams singled home both runners, and advanced to third on an errant throw.
Sarah Manugo grounded out to score Williams, and Callahan followed with a single. After she stole second base, Bruns doubled, and Callhan scored from second. The Knights score two in the seventh, but both sides went quietly in the seventh for the 6-2 final.
The Eagles collected six hits from six different players, with Williams providing two RBI. Kara Deppe gained the win (her 15th of the season), allowing two earned runs on four hits in seven innings, with two walks and five strikeouts.
In the nightcap, Knights scored runs in the first and third to take a 2-0 advantage, but UMW scored twice in the fifth to tie the score. Newman led off with a double, and scored on a single from Courtney Shea. Brittnee Haynes singled to advance Shea to second, and Bruns provided an RBI single to tie the score.
Southern Virginia came back with two runs in the fifth on a two-run homer, but the Eagles came right back in the sixth. Malia Rogers reached on an error and Newman again doubled, and with two out, Haynes reached on an error that scored both runs.
SVU went back ahead, 5-4, with another homer in the sixth, setting the stage for UMW's dramatic comeback. With one out in the seventh, Jessica Huber and Rogers walked, and Newman connected for a three-run home run to give UMW its first lead of the game. Deppe retired the Knights in order in the seventh for her 16th win of the season.
Newman singled, doubled twice, and homered for UMW, with three runs scored and three RBI. Bruns had two hits and an RBI. Deppe gained the win with 2.1 innings of relief, allowing one run on three hits with no walks and two strikeouts.
The Eagles will advance to the Capital Athletic Conference Tournament next week. More details to come.