LYNCHBURG, VA – The Randolph College softball team took the front end of a non-conference doubleheader with Averett University 2-1 Saturday afternoon, but couldn't complete the sweep as the Cougars earned a 4-3 win in game two of the season opening twinbill for both squads.

                In the opener, runs were hard to come by thanks to the solid pitching from Averett's April Costa and Randolph starter Logan Carter (Richmond, VA/Midlothian). The Cougars (1-1) finally broke the lid on the scoring in the top of the fifth, as Jessye Crews flew out to score pinch-runner Rhyan Scearce. AU had the bases loaded in that inning with none down, but Carter did a nice job of working out of the jam allowing only one run.

                The Wildcats (1-1) finally answered in the bottom half of the sixth, as first-year Jessica Nowak (Stafford, VA/North Stafford) came around on a throwing error by Averett to knot the game at one. The next inning, Randolph ended the game in walk-off fashion as the WildCats loaded the bases and Ashley Gardner (Ashburn, VA/Stone Bridge) hit a hard grounder that went through the legs of the Cougar's shortstop, allowing Haleigh Wilson (Stuart, VA/Patrick Co.) to score.

                Carter finished with a complete game for Randolph, as the junior scattered one run on four hits, fanning three Cougar hitters. Costa was equally as impressive, surrendering no runs and four hits in five frames of work.

                In the nightcap, Randolph took an early 2-0 lead thanks to the first collegiate homer from Nowak, as she scored Brittany Willingham (Glen Burnie, MD/Glen Burnie) who had earlier reached on an error. AU came right back with two in the fourth and fifth to take a 4-2 lead. Randolph wasn't done, as Willingham singled in first-year Jamie Bennett (Bedford, VA/Liberty) who reached on a single to pull to within one at 4-3.

                Randolph threatened in the bottom of the sixth and seventh, but stranded runners in scoring position in both innings. Bennett was two-for-three for the WildCats in game two, while Nowak also had her first multi-hit game of her career. Randolph was stellar on defense all day, committing no errors in either game.

                Averett was led by Jenna Rudder in game two, who had two hits, a run and RBI in the nightcap. Taylor Dix added a two-for-two game with a run and RBI as well for the Cougars.

                The WildCats will be off for a week before traveling to Virginia Intermont College Saturday March 23 at 1 pm for another non-conference doubleheader.

--RANDOLPH--