HARRISONBURG, Va. – The road for EMU softball didn't get any easier on Tuesday, as they welcomed in #5 Virginia Wesleyan for a doubleheader.

In the opening game, a big second inning for the Marlins propelled them to a 10-2 five-inning win. In game two INSERT SCORE HERE.

EMU vs #5 Virginia Wesleyan – Game One

Records: EMU 8-18-1, 1-10 ODAC | Virginia Wesleyan 25-1-1, 10-1 ODAC

WP: Lauren Bible (15-0)
LP: Janie Young (0-2)

Highlights

Second Inning

• Young sat the Marlins down in order in the first, but in the top of the second, the Marlins bats erupted, as they plated eight runs on six hits, with Madee Arbaugh taking over in the circle for Young with just one out in the frame.
• Young got EMU's first hit, with a two-out single to left, but a ground out to second ended the frame with VWU leading 8-0.

Fifth Inning

• Virginia Wesleyan added a run in the third, for a 9-0 lead, before tacking on one more in the fifth to extend their lead to 10-0.
• EMU was able to push across two in the fifth, as Nala Nichols pinch hit for Maggie Mayhew and led off with a walk. Mayhew came back in and moved to second on a ground out from Brooke Morris.
• Grace Fravel then singled through the left side, moving Mayhew to third, before Overby reached on a fielder's choice, plating Mayhew. Meaghan Dean singled, putting runners on first and second before Overby scored and Dean moved to third on an RBI double from Destiny Jones. Arbaugh walked, loading the bases, but a ground out ended the inning, and the game, with VWU picking up the win.

Statistical Leaders
Young: 2-3
D. Jones: 1-3, 2B, RBI

EMU vs #5 Virginia Wesleyan – Game Two

Records: EMU 8-19-1, 1-11 ODAC | Virginia Wesleyan 26-1-1, 11-1 ODAC

WP: Hannah Hearl (4-1)
LP: Natalye Graham (4-10)

Highlights

Second, Third and Fourth Innings

• The Marlins plated three runs, all with two outs, in the top of the second, using four hits to take a 3-0 lead.
• In the third inning, VWU was able to tack on a fourth run, picking up two hits and leaving a runner on base.
• VWU broke the game open in the fourth, using seven hits to plate six runs and take a 10-0 lead after four. 
• D. Jones picked up her first hit of the day, a double to center that just narrowly missed going out. But a pop out and a pair of fly outs stranded Jones on second and kept VWU ahead 10-0. 

Fifth Inning

• The Marlins were able to add two more in the top of the fifth, with two singles, an error and a sac fly bringing in the first and an infield single plating the second. 
• Just like in game one, EMU put up a fight in the bottom of the fifth, as Abigail Fitzgerald picked up a pinch-hit single to left center, and was replaced at first by Morris. Aspen Jones walked and Dean singled to short stop to load the bases for D. Jones, who wasted no time in driving in a pair of runs with a two-RBI single to center. But a fly out ended the game early, as Virginia Wesleyan picked up the win.

Statistical Leaders
D. Jones: 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI
Fravel: 2-3

What's Next
EMU will continue its homestand on Saturday, as they welcome in Guilford College for a doubleheader. The first pitch of game one is set for 1 pm. 

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