The EMU softball team opened up their 2014 season in Atlanta, Ga., Saturday afternoon, taking on a pair of talented southern teams at the 3 n 2 Elite Event.  The Royals ended up on the short end of both games, and will turn around and play both teams again on Sunday.

No. 12 Emory 11, EMU 3 – 5 innings
The first game of the year was a tall task, as the Royals took on an Emory team which was ranked No. 12 in the NFCA preseason poll and had already played five games.  EMU struck first, however, as Brooke Hensley (Elkton, Va./Spotswood) reached on an error and eventually scored on a double steal.

The powerful Eagles answered quickly, driving in five runs in the bottom of the second and six more in the third.  The Royals plated a couple of unearned runs in the fourth, but that was it as the game was mercy-shortened.

Hensley scored two of Eastern Mennonite's runs.  Brooke Sigrist (Crimora, Va./Fort Defiance) had a pair of singles while Angelia Miller (Bridgewater, Va./Turner Ashby) walked twice.

Jordan Aylor (Madison, Va./Madison County) was tagged for nine hits and nine earned runs to take the loss in the circle.  Cara Neikirk (Salem, Va./Glenvar) pitched an inning in relief.

Greensboro 6, EMU 4
The Royals had their chances in the second game, but gave up a late lead to Greensboro.  After falling behind 2-0, the women scored all their runs in a big fourth inning.

Leadoff singles from Molly Smith (Elkton, Va./Spotswood) and Miller got things rolling, but a fly ball and ground ball made two quick outs.  After a walk, the first run scored on a wild pitch.  Then Hensley came up with a base loaded double to bring home three for a 4-2 lead.

The Pride tied it at 4-4 with two runs in the fifth, and then took the lead with two more in the sixth.  EMU left the bases loaded in the fifth, and left five on over the final three innings to suffer the loss.

Miller led the offense, going 3-3 with a walk.  Hensley was 2-4 with three RBIs.

Lauren Campbell (Stuarts Draft, Va./Stuarts Draft) went the distance from the circle, getting charged with five earned runs.

EMU plays again on Sunday, taking on Emory at 10:00am followed by Greensboro at noon.