Highlanders Split with Saint Francis

Game 1 Box
Game 2 Box

Radford, Va. – Stephanie Adams' (Pasadena, Md.) game-winning RBI single in the ninth gave Radford a come-from-behind, 3-2 victory in game one, as they split with Saint Francis in softball action from Dedmon Center Field. The Red Flash took game two, 4-1.

In game one, Saint Francis jumped out to a 2-0 lead with single runs in the first and third innings. The Highlanders would battle back with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth without the benefit of a hit. After two walks and an error loaded the bases, Adams walked, driving in Donita Brady (Virginia Beach, Va.) with the first run. RU would tie the game at two when Ashley Smith (Roanoke, Va.) scored on a wild pitch.

Deanna Benner (Glen Burnie, Md.) put in another solid pitching performance, earning the complete game victory to run her record to 7-8. She allowed two unearned runs on five hits, struck out four and walked one. She has not allowed an earned run in her last 22 innings, dating back to her game against Elon and only two in her last 50 innings of work. Stacey Scolfield (11-7) was the tough luck loser, giving up three runs (two earned) on four hits. She struck out eight and walked four.

Game two saw the Red Flash jump out to an early lead, plating a pair of runs in the first inning. With one out, Brooke Keiper doubled in Sarah Rebar from first with the games first run. She would then scored on a passed ball to make in 2-0.

The Highlanders would cut the lead in half in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Ashleigh Brooks (Virginia Beach, Va.). After Saint Francis increased the lead to 3-1 in the sixth, the Highlanders let a huge opportunity pass as they loaded the bases with no outs and were unable to score. The Red Flash added another run in the seventh for the final tally.

Brady and Payton Nash (Woodbridge, Va.) each had a pair of hits for RU, while Keiper went 3 for 4 with pair of runs scored for the Red Flash. Cindi Ciotti (10-10) picked up the complete game victory, allowing one unearned run, while scattering eight hits. Teresa Brewer (Woodbridge, Va.) suffered the loss, giving up a pair of runs on four hits in four innings of work. She struck out two and walked a pair.

The Highlanders continue at home on Sunday when they host conference foe Winthrop at 1:00 p.m.