BLUEFIELD, Va. - CIU softball wrapped up its Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) regular season on Monday with a doubleheader sweep of Bluefield University (Va.), securing its first 30+ win season in program history. The Rams dominated game one with a 14-0 run-rule victory before grinding out a 2-1 win in game two to finish the day at 31-15 overall.
Game One: CIU 14 Bluefield 0 (5 inn.): The Rams wasted no time getting on the board, as Hannah Murphy drove in Raleigh Stewart in the opening inning to take an early 1-0 lead. CIU then broke the game wide open in the second, erupting for 10 runs on eight hits and multiple Bluefield errors to build an 11-0 advantage. Kami Meekins highlighted the inning with a two-run home run, while Stewart collected two RBI doubles in the frame. Murphy added two RBI singles, and Caydon Thompson chipped in with a sacrifice fly. CIU continued to add on in the fourth inning, plating three more runs. Stewart drove in another run with a bunt single, while Murphy and Carmella Korte each recorded RBI to extend the lead to 14-0.
Stewart led the offensive effort with a perfect 4-for-4 performance, scoring three runs and driving in three. Guthrie added two hits and three runs, while Murphy tallied three RBI on two hits. Korte also contributed two hits and an RBI, and Meekins finished with a home run and two RBI. In the circle, the Rams combined for a two-hit shutout. Emily Sampson earned the win, tossing two scoreless innings with four strikeouts. Isabella Davis and Gabriella Czuczuk each added scoreless outings to secure the shutout.
Game Two: CIU 2 Bluefield 1: The Rams broke a scoreless tie in the third inning, capitalizing on a Bluefield error as Lilli Petty came around to score on a double from Sydney Williams. Bluefield answered in the fifth, using three straight hits to plate the tying run, but CIU's pitching staff limited the damage and kept the game even heading into the final inning. In the seventh, Petty again sparked the offense, reaching base and advancing into scoring position before Sophia Noriega-Mora delivered the go-ahead RBI single to give the Rams a 2-1 lead.
Stewart tossed four scoreless innings to start the game while allowing no hits and striking out four. Abby Ragan followed in relief to secure the win, throwing three innings while recording five strikeouts to close out the victory. CIU managed four hits in the game, with Petty scoring both runs and Noriega-Mora and Williams each driving in a run.
Up Next: CIU celebrates Senior Day on Saturday, April 25, with a doubleheader against Johnson & Wales University at 1 and 3 P.M. EST. Senior Day recognition will take place prior to first pitch.
