DUNCAN, S.C. – The Converse College (6-26, 1-7 CC) softball team fell twice to Emmanuel (13-14, 3-3 CC) on Saturday afternoon at Tyger River Park. Game one saw the Lions saw the Lions break away late to win 5-1 before taking the nightcap by the final of 9-1 in five innings.
GAME ONE: CONVERSE 1, EMMANUEL (Ga.) 5
Converse was poised to score first in the opening game, putting runners at second base in each of the first two innings, but were unable to push a run across, sending the game into the top of the third scoreless.
Emmanuel took advantage of that in the third, taking a 1-0 lead after plating a single run on a two-out double by Caitlin Parks. The Valkyries continued to put pressure on the Lions defense, putting runners in scoring position, but could not capitalize with the tying or go-ahead runs.
Emmanuel posted a single run in the fifth and then three more in the sixth to balloon its lead to 5-0 heading into the final two at-bats for the Purple and Gold.
Converse was finally able to put something together in the bottom of the sixth. Gabrielle Cuevas singled through the box with one out before advancing to second on a fielder's choice. That set up Meredith Quarles' RBI single to right center, cutting the deficit to 5-1.
However, that would be the last run of the game as Emmanuel took game one of the doubleheader by the final of 5-1.
GAME TWO: CONVERSE 1, EMMANUEL (Ga.) 9 (5 INNINGS)
Emmanuel wasted no time scoring in game two, posting a pair of runs on three hits in the top of the first, taking the early lead. Converse cut the deficit in half in the bottom half of the inning. Marissa Martin led the frame off with a scorching line drive double down the left field line and came around to score following two consecutive groundouts.
The Golden Lions opened up a sizeable lead in the top of the fifth, erupting for six runs on six hits, forcing the Vals to score at least one run in the bottom of the fifth to extend the game.
Converse will return to the diamond on Wednesday, March 27, traveling to face the Brevard Tornado in a non-conference matchup. Game one is scheduled for 2 p.m.