BUENA VISTA, VA – The Randolph College softball team used big offensive innings all day to propel the WildCats to a non-conference doubleheader sweep of hosting Southern Virginia University in the first two of 10 spring break contests over the next five days for Randolph. The WildCats earned a 4-3 win in game one before busting out for a 15-3 win in game two.

                In the opener, Randolph (6-2) was quick to get on the board, scoring three runs in the top of the first. Senior Ashley Gardner (Ashburn, VA/Stone Bridge) drove in a run on a sacrifice fly scoring Brittany Willingham (Glen Burnie, MD/Glen Burnie), who had reached earlier on a lead-off single.

                Sophomore Patti Vinson (Williamsburg, VA/Lafayette) continued to swing a hot stick, as she homered to score Brittney Via (Charlottesville, VA/Monticello) and give the WildCats an early 3-0 lead. Randolph added another run in the top of the second, as Via drew a bases loaded walk to force in the WildCat's fourth run of the afternoon.

                SVU trimmed Randolph's lead to one in the bottom of the third, plating three runs on one swing by catcher Sarah Edwards. Randolph's Logan Carter (Richmond, VA/Midlothian) would settle in from there, retiring the last 13 Knight hitters to give the 'Cats the 4-3 victory. Willingham had two hits in game one for the WildCats.

                In the nightcap, the WildCat' bats exploded with 19 hits, as eight starters posted multi-hit performances. Randolph scored four runs in the first, eight in the second and two more in the third to cruise to the five-inning victory. Willingham had another great game, going four-for-four with two runs in game two.

                First-year Hannah Cook (Yorktown, VA/Grafton) posted her first collegiate multi-hit affair with three hits, three RBI and two runs, while Ashton Ewers (Gladys, VA/William Campbell) added two hits and four RBI. Via finished with two hits and two runs, Gardner had two hits and two runs and Vinson added two knocks, three RBI and two runs.

                Sophomore Jess Sanabria (Burgaw, NC/Pender) had a pair of hits in game two as well, driving in three runs and stealing two bases, while first-year center fielder Rachel Hickman (St. Alban's, WV/St. Alban's) added two hits. Junior pitcher Kristen Hutchinson (Rockville, MD/Richard Montgomery) earned her third win of the season, going all five innings allowing three hits and three runs.

                The WildCats have now won five straight contests with eight games in Myrtle Beach, SC ahead of them this week. Randolph will start its Myrtle Beach trip with contests Monday against Eastern University at 9 a.m. and York College (PA) at 11 a.m.

--RANDOLPH--