Valkyries Battle But Come Up Short at Tusculum

Valkyries Battle But Come Up Short at Tusculum

GREENEVILLE, Tenn.  – The Converse College (1-7) softball team was unable to come away with a win in a doubleheader against South Atlantic Conference opponent Tusculum on Thursday evening. After falling 3-1 in the first game, Converse dropped the nightcap by the final of 8-0 in five innings.

GAME ONE: Tusculum 3, Converse 1

After two uneventful, scoreless innings on both sides, Converse put together a threat in the top of the third inning. After a groundout to start the frame, Jenna Baro singled up the middle and advanced to second when Moriah Gomez reached on a fielding error by the Pioneer's shortstop. However, two consecutive groundouts left the Valkyries off the board and the game tied at 0-0.

Converse finally broke through in the top of the sixth inning with a single run. Brooklyn McElrath led the frame off by reaching on a throwing error and advanced to second following a beautifully placed bunt single from Marissa Martin. The two runners moved up one base after a groundout and McElrath came home to roost on an Allison Plafcan RBI groundout.

However, Tusculum came back in the bottom of the sixth with three runs, the biggest hit, a go-ahead RBI triple by Taylor Johnson. Converse went down in order in the top of the seventh, giving TC the game one win.

GAME TWO: Tusculum 8, Converse 0

The Valkyries threatened in the top of the first after putting two runners on with two outs, but were unable to score. Tusculum scored often and early in the second game of the twin-billing, putting up six runs over the first three innings of play, capitalizing on the misfortunes of the Purple and Gold.

Converse was not able to record a baserunner in the fourth and fifth innings, while Tusculum padded its lead with single runs in those two frames. The one run in the bottom of the fifth was enough to force a run-rule in favor of the Pioneers.

Converse will return to the dirt tomorrow afternoon, hosting St. Andrews at Tyger River Park. This doubleheader was originally scheduled for Sunday, February 17, but was moved up due to inclement weather projected in the surrounding area. First pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 1 p.m.