ASHLAND, Va. – EMU continued its tough start to ODAC play on Saturday, heading to Ashland to take on #14 Randolph Macon.

The opening game was a tight one, as EMU squared off with RMC's Gracie Ellis, one of the best pitchers in the country. Janie Young started her first game of the season in the circle for EMU, and threw a great game, giving up just three runs on three hits. Unfortunately, the Royals were only able to put two runs on the board in the sixth, as RMC escaped with a 3-2 win.

In the second game, Macon's starting pitcher stymied the Royals bats, holding them to three hits in a 3-0 win. 

EMU at Randolph Macon – Game One

Records: EMU 8-16-1, 1-8 ODAC | RMC 24-3, 9-0 ODAC

WP: Gracie Ellis (14-0)
LP: Janie Young (0-1)

Highlights

First, Second and Third Innings

• Randolph Macon was able to tack on a single run in each of the first three innings, but Young limited the damage in each inning, as RMC took a 3-0 lead.
• The Royals got a pair of hits in the top of the second, as Sydney Orndorff and Braxten Jones both singled, but a pop out ended the EMU threat.

Sixth and Seventh Innings

• Young continued to keep RMC off the board, keeping EMU within three. In the Royals half of the sixth, EMU struck for two runs. Grace Fravel, Allana Overby and Meaghan Dean all singled, loading the bases. Destiny Jones drove in a pair with a base hit down the left field line, pulling the Royals within one, 3-2.
• In the top of the seventh, Maggie Mayhew picked up a two-out double to left, but was left there as Ellis picked up a strike out to end the game.

Statistical Leaders
D. Jones: 1-3, 2 RBI
Young: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 5 BB, 4 SO

EMU at Randolph Macon – Game Two

Records: EMU 8-17-1, 1-9 ODAC | RMC 25-3, 10-0 ODAC

WP: Courtney Guthrie (9-1)
LP: Natalye Graham (4-9)

Highlights

First Inning

• RMC got on the board first, picking up a pair of runs in the first. A two-RBI triple plated a pair of runs, giving Randolph Macon a 2-0 lead. 

Third Inning

• EMU picked up its first hit in the top of the third, when Fravel singled up the middle, but a ground out to second ended EMU's offense. 
• A sac fly in the bottom of the third gave Macon a 3-0 lead. 

Sixth and Seventh Inning

• Fravel singled and Dean doubled, putting runners on second and third with two outs in the sixth, but a ground out to third ended the inning. EMU went down in order in the top of the seventh, for RMC to secure the win. 

Statistical Leaders
Fravel: 2-2, BB
Dean: 1-3, 2B
Graham: 6.0 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 5 SO

What's Next
EMU will be back in action on Tuesday when they return to Gehman Field to take on #9 Virginia Wesleyan. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 3 pm. 

To keep up to date with everything surrounding EMU softball, follow EMU on Twitter and Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.