COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU softball took the time to honor their seniors before Saturday's matchup against Union Commonwealth University (Ky.) for an important Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) contest. The Rams were firing on all cylinders and took game one in five innings while having to battle to the final at-bat to take game two and secure their first conference sweep. CIU is now 16-24 overall and 5-17 in conference play while currently holding a five-game win streak.
Game One: CIU 14 Union 6: The Rams took an early lead after scoring five runs in the first inning, highlighted by a two-RBI single from Ally Clapp. Union pushed one across in the third, but CIU answered with five more runs to lead 10-1. The Bulldogs notched another run in the fourth, and Carmella Korte matched this with an RBI single. The Rams were in run-rule territory heading into the fifth inning, but the Bulldogs did not go down without a fight after scoring four to bring the score to 11-6. CIU responded with three in the bottom of the frame with a walk-off run-rule single from Clapp to give game one to the Rams.
Box Score Highlights:
Game Two: CIU 2 Union 1: Both teams went scoreless in the first two frames, but CIU threatened with bases loaded in the second. It was a pitcher's duel as neither team could move runners into scoring position. The Bulldogs struck first in the top of the sixth to take a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the seventh, Caydon Thompson laid down a bunt to score Scarlett Traver on the squeeze. With a runner on second, Korte doubled to centerfield for her second walk-off of the week to secure a conference sweep.
Box Score Highlights:
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Mayers and Clapp led the team with two hits a piece.
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Thompson and Korte recorded RBI in the final inning to lead CIU to victory.
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Miranda Fulmer was dominant on the mound, matching her career-high 11 strikeouts.
What Coach Sara Allen is saying, "I'm so happy we could give our seniors two wins on senior day! It feels like we're finally starting to find our momentum. I'm proud of the team effort, especially by so many girls who have worked through challenges to be on the field today. A special thank you to our families, friends, and fans for coming out to support us today!"
Up Next: CIU hits the road to take on St. Andrews University (N.C.) on Tuesday, April 16, at 3 p.m. EST.
