DUNCAN, S.C. - The Chowan University softball team opened play in the Conference Carolinas Softball Championship on Thursday afternoon, taking on Erskine in a play-in, single-elimination contest. The Hawks defeated the Flying Fleet in extra innings, as a Hope Soria single to left field brought Blair Elliott home for the game-winning run.

Chowan advanced to the first round of double-elimination play, where they faced #3 seed Southern Wesleyan. The Hawks would rally their way back into the game with a three run fifth inning but came up a run short in the 4-3 decision.

THE BASICS

FINAL GAME ONE | Chowan 5, Erskine 4 (8 innings)

FINAL GAME TWO | Chowan 3, Southern Wesleyan 4

RECORDS | Chowan  30-19 ,  Erskine (13-30), Southern Wesleyan (35-12)

LOCATION |Duncan, S.C. (Tyger River Park) 

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE 

Game One vs Erskine

After Erskine jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, Chowan steadily applied pressure to remain in the game. The Hawks got on the board in the fourth inning when Kaitlyn Springle laid down a bunt single, allowing Ryleigh Gough to cross the plate and cut the deficit to 2-1.

Chowan added another run in the sixth inning as Julianna Kellogg singled up the middle, bringing Springle home to even the score at 2-2.

The Flying Fleet responded with two runs in the top of the seventh to take a 4-2 lead, but the Hawks answered in the bottom half. Emily Fowler stole second, and Kyra Helton advanced to third before scoring on a throwing error by the catcher. Shortly after, Calliope James delivered an RBI single, allowing Fowler to score and force extra innings.

In the eighth, Chowan's defense held Erskine scoreless. Lenita Bryson sparked the offense in the bottom half with a single to right field, and Blair Elliott entered as a pinch runner. Kugler followed with a single to keep the momentum going. With two outs, Hope Soria stepped to the plate and delivered a clutch single to left field, scoring Elliott and securing the 5-4 victory for the Hawks.

James and Soria each recorded two hits and an RBI, while Bryson, Dunham, and Weston added hits. Helton, Fowler, Gough, and Elliott all crossed the plate, and Springle contributed a hit, a run scored, and an RBI.

Makenzi Curry got the start in the circle before Abby Rutledge provided 6.1 innings of relief. Callie Tyndall closed out the game, earning her first career victory.

Game Two vs Southern Wesleyan

Chowan then faced #3 seed Southern Wesleyan in their first meeting of the season. The Warriors struck early with a run in the first inning and added three more in the fourth to take a 4-0 lead.

The Hawks mounted a comeback in the fifth inning, scoring three runs. Ryleigh Gough got Chowan on the board, Ava Mizell doubled to bring in Denham, and Kyra Helton singled up the middle to score Mizell on an unearned run.

Despite the rally, both teams remained scoreless over the final two innings, and Southern Wesleyan held on for the 4-3 lead.

Mizell recorded a hit, a run scored, and an RBI, while Helton added two hits and an RBI. James and Bryson each collected a hit, and Dunham and Gough both scored.

Emily Fowler earned the start in the circle, tossing 3.1 innings before Rutledge came in for relief.

UP NEXT

Chowan will face #5 seed King University on Friday, April 24, in round two of the Conference Carolinas Softball Championship. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 PM on Field 1 at Tyger River Park.