DUNCAN, S.C. - The Converse Softball team went into extra innings in the nightcap against Coker, but dropped the non-conference doubleheader at Tyger River Park on Saturday afternoon, 8-0 and 8-4(9).
THE BASICS
FINAL | Game One: Converse 0, Coker 8 | Game Two: Converse 4, Coker 8 (9 innings)
LOCATION | Duncan, S.C. (Tyger River Stadium)
RECORDS | Converse 0-6, Coker 9-1
INSIDE THE LINES
Ashton Coker, Brett Harvey and Elizabeth Aguilar recorded two hits in the twinbill. Ashton Coker and Brett Harvey went 2-4 at the plate in the nightcap. Elizabeth Aguilar picked up a hit in both contests.
Anna Bennett recorded two RBI, while Ashton Coker and Kaybriana Spalding tallied one RBI.
Kaybriana Spalding was dealt the loss in the nightcap pitching nine innings.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Game One:
Elizabeth Aguilar picked up a hit in the bottom of the first on a single down the left field line. Aguilar would swipe second but was stranded in the inning.
Anna Bennett would reach in the bottom of the second on an error but was thrown out at second on the aggressive play.
Coker posted three runs in the top of the third inning on an errant throw. Coker started the inning with two hits followed by a Valkyrie throwing error allowed the runners to score.
Coker scratched across three more runs in the top of the fourth on a long ball and another miscue.
Hannah Boring drew a walk in the fourth but was left on the bases.
Coker tallied a run in the fifth to take a 7-0 lead into the latter innings.
The Cobras would take the contest 8-0 with a run in the seventh.
Game Two:
Coker started off the scoring in the top of the first inning after a triple brought across the first run of the nightcap.
The Cobras would scratch across another run in the top of the third on a fielder's choice and a run in the fourth to lead 3-0.
Converse started a rally in the bottom of the fourth inning. Tristan Harvey reached on an infield single. A ground out pushed Harvey to second. Mariah Blackmon would draw a walk while Harvey swiped third.
Anna Bennett doubled to left field for Converse's first runs of the season scoring Harvey and Putnam (pinch ran for Mariah Blackmon). Ashton Coker singled through the left side to knot things at 3-3 scoring Bennett from second.
Coker would regain the lead at 4-3 in the top of the fifth.
In the bottom of the sixth, Elizabeth Aguilar started another rally for the Valkyries. Aguilar singled to center. Ashton Coker singled to left with two outs to keep the momentum moving. Kaybriana Spalding singled down the left field line to bring home Aguilar to tie things at 4-4.
In the bottom of the seventh, Brett Harvey doubled to left center to start the inning. Marissa Steadman singled through the right side to put runners on the corners with no outs.
Steadman would swipe second to put both runners in scoring position. After a ground out held the runners at bay, Elizabeth Aguilar lined out to center and Steadman was doubled-up trying to tag from second.
Both teams were unable to score in the first inning of extra innings.
Coker would tag the Valkyries for four runs in the ninth forcing Converse's hand in the bottom of the inning.
With a runner placed on second, Brett Harvey singled to left field with two outs. Converse grounded out to end the contest and falling 8-4.
UP NEXT
The Valkyries return to action on Tuesday, February 21 against USC Aiken at 1 and 3pm at Tyger River Stadium for a non-conference doubleheader.