LYNCHBURG, VA – Randolph College breezed to a 12-4 victory in game one of Saturday's non-conference doubleheader with Southern Virginia University, but looked sluggish in game two falling 4-3 to the Knights in action from the Randolph Softball Field.

In the opener for the WildCats, Randolph (11-7) jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first frame as Gina Pagano (Hopewell, NJ/Hopewell Valley) and Jess Sanabria (Burgaw, NC/Pender) had RBI hits. SVU (2-12) cut the lead to 4-3 with three runs in the top of the third, but Randolph answered with two runs in the bottom to push the lead to 6-3.

The WildCats added another pair of runs in the fourth inning, and finished off the game with four runs in the sixth inning, as Pagano and Chassity Ferry (Melfa, VA/Nandua) had RBI hits in the frame. Sanabria had four hits in four at-bats for the WildCats in game one, also earning the win in the circle. Pagano, Ashley Gardner (Ashburn, VA/Stone Bridge) and Brittney Via (Charlottesville, VA/Monticello) each had two apiece.

In the second game, Randolph led 1-0 going into the top of the seventh thanks to a great pitching effort from Logan Carter (Richmond, VA/Midlothian). Unfortunately, the effort was wasted due to two defensive miscues that cost Randolph four unearned runs in the top of the seventh allowing the Knights to take a 4-1 lead.

Randolph tried to rally with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, as Via doubled in a pair of runs to make the score 4-3. McKenzy MacKay would work out of the jam though, getting Randolph to pop up to end the game. Randolph totaled only five hits in the nightcap, three coming from Samantha Thacker (Madison Heights, VA/Holy Cross). Carter went all seven, scattering seven hits and allowing no earned runs.

The WildCats are now 1-3 in their last four home games after starting the season 10-0 at the Randolph Softball Field. Randolph is now 7-1 in its last six contests against the Knights dating back to 2008.

Randolph opens Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) play on Thursday with a crosstown showdown against the Hornets of Lynchburg College at home starting at 3 p.m.

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