COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU Softball took the short trip to Benedict College to face the Tigers for the second series this season. After falling in the first game in a nail-biter, the Rams shut out the Tigers in game two. However, this series was a little more meaningful as the two-program participated in the first-ever Unity Series.
In honor of Black History Month, both teams wore black and white jerseys with quotes from the honorable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Benedict College was founded in 1870 and is a Historically Black College (HBCU) and was originally established to provide opportunities for African Americans who were excluded from the majority of college solely by virtue of their race.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
GAME ONE: CIU 12 BC 13: The Rams got the scoring going with an explosive second inning, as CIU notched four at the top of the inning. However, Benedict would one-up the Rams, making the score 5-4 in the bottom of the second. CIU found itself up 12-7, only needing three more outs in the bottom of the 7th. Unfortunately, Benedict would get the six runs they needed to walk off with the victory in game one.
BOX SCORE NOTES:
- CIU had a great game at the plate, but pitchers could not hold off the Tiger's bats, giving up 16 hits.
- In the leadoff spot, Tanaya Ellis was productive at the plate with two hits and three RBI's
Unity jersey worn by CIU
GAME TWO: CIU 7 BC 0: The Rams again had a high-scoring second inning with four runs scored. However, the pitching was stout in game two, unlike game one, as Mary Esterak only gave up one hit in the top of the 3rd inning. CIU would add to their lead with hits from Kendall Parker and Hallie Miller, making it 7-0 in the top of the 6th inning to close out the game.
BOX SCORE NOTES:
- Rams pitcher Mary Esterak got the nod and nearly pitched a no-hitter, only allowing one hit in 7 innings.
- Kendall Parker was perfect at the plate with four hits and an RBI.
- The Rams pitched their first shutout of the 2022 season and the first since CIU defeated Columbia College 11-0 on March 17, 2021.
What Coach Sara Allen is saying: "We preach to our team that we play for a higher purpose than just softball. Today was a great opportunity to live that out by joining with Benedict College in recognition of Black History Month and designating today's game a Unity Game. I'm really proud of the character of our team and their willingness to use softball as a tool to love people well."
Up Next:
CIU will take on Johnson University (Tenn.) at home for their first Appalachian Athletic Conference series of the season, with a doubleheader on Feb. 26 starting at noon.
