ATHENS, W.Va. – Wheeling Jesuit's Dana Achille knocked in opener's game-winner, 2-1, but her two late game homers was not enough as Concord pulled out a 4-3 win for the Sunday softball split. Tied at 1-1, Achille singled down the left-field line and plated Ali Smith, before the Cardinals Mallory Chapman retired the Mountain Lions (20-14/9-7 Mountain East Conference South) in order for the opening win. In the late game trailing 4-1, Achille belted a leadoff sixth-inning homer and added a two-out seventh-inning solo shot, but it was one-run short. With the game two loss, WJU (21-11/9-3 MEC North) saw its 11-game win streak come to an end. The Cardinals also set a new high win total for fourth-year head coach Kelli Williams with their 21st victory.
"Today wasn't our day. We had opportunity after opportunity, but when you leave 27 runners on base you aren't going to win many games," said Williams. "We did a good job of fighting and did not give up, but couldn't get the second win today." Achille finished her day 4 for 8 with a double, two homers, two runs and three RBI.
In the circle, Chapman recorded his sixth win in a row. The sophomore improved to 11-5 after allowing five hits, one earned run and a walk with six strikeouts over seven frames.
WJU returns home and hosts West Liberty Tuesday afternoon, April 3. The doubleheader has a 3:30 p.m. first pitch.
Game 1
After the Cardinals took the lead on an unearned run in the fifth, Concord tied it, 1-1, on an Alyssa Morris solo home run in the sixth.
The tie didn't last long. With two out and two on, Achille lofted a single down the left field line for the eventual game-winning run.
Game 2
WJU edged ahead in the top of the first when Morgan Stohlman drew a bases loaded walk. The Mountain Lions pushed home a pair of runs in both the home third and fifth for its 4-1 lead.
-GoCards-
