BLUEFIELD, Va. - CIU softball's historic win streak extended to nine games on Saturday as they doubled up on wins, defeating Bluefield University (Va.) twice. The wins move CIU to 20-24 overall and 10-17 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC).
Game One (CIU 5 BU 4): Bluefield gave up a run on an error followed by a sacrifice bunt from Lilli Petty, which scored Megan Stolzenbach, putting CIU up 2-0 in the first inning. Bluefield homered in the bottom of the inning, which the Rams answered in the third with a homer from Caydon Thompson (3-1). Ally Clapp extended the Ram's advantage with a two-RBI double in the fourth. Bluefield cut the deficit to just one run, but the combined efforts of Miranda Fulmer and Jada Cox in the circle sank Bluefield.
Box Score Highlights:
- Thompson continues a stellar freshman campaign with four home runs now on the season.
- Four different players recorded a hit for CIU
- Fulmer went six innings with four strikeouts to get the win.
Game Two (CIU 4 BU 2): The Ram's first two runs were not attached to hits, as CIU scored on a passed ball and a wild pitch. CIU scored two more runs, both on the fielder's choices. The latter came off the bat of Stolzenbach, as the centerfielder reached second on the play. Again, CIU clung to a slight lead in the bottom of the seventh; this time, it was Jada Cox who forced three consecutive outs from the circle to end the game.
Box Score Highlights:
- Stolzenbach stuffed the stat sheet with two hits, two runs, and two RBI.
- Pitcher Sydnee Dial got the start for the Rams and went six innings with an impressive seven K's.
Up Next: CIU hosts Milligan (Tenn.) in their final series of the season on Wednesday, April. 24 with a start time of 3:00 p.m. EST.
