FAIRMONT, W. Va. - - UVa-Wise softball split a doubleheader with Fairmont State University Saturday afternoon. The Cavaliers dropped game one by a score of 2-1 and earned a 6-2 win in game two.
Both teams struggled offensively in game one with the first hit of the game recorded in the fourth inning on a Kaylee Jones single.
UVa-Wise (23-15, 12-10 MEC) attempted to get on the board in the top of the sixth frame when a single and hit by pitch placed runners on first and second for the Cavs. Bridget Henzel then reached on a fielder's choice but the Fighting Falcons would get an out at second base to leave two stranded for UVa-Wise.
Scoreless through seven frames, the game would head into extra innings as the Cavs opened up the top of the eighth with a solo shot to right center field off the bat of Kaylee Jones.
Fairmont (18-18, 14-8 MEC) would respond in the home half of the inning when Jessie Weaver singled to right field before Jenny Stubbs knocked a two-run walk-off homer to right field for the Fighting Falcons' 2-1 game one win.
Jones was 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.
Taylor Brandts fell to 12-7 on the season as she tossed 7 1/3 innings with four hits and 13 strikeouts.
Fairmont's Hannah Clunk (3-2) earned the win for the Fighting Falcons, allowing six hits with five strikeouts in eight innings.
UVa-Wise got on the board first as the Cavs pushed across three runs in the top of the second. With Nikki Smith on second base, Monica Brandts doubled in Smith to put the Cavs up 1-0. Zoe Millard then singled and advanced to second before Jones singled to left field, plating Monica Brandts. Jones then stole second base while Alexis Miles walked to load the bases for UVa-Wise. Lucindy Lawson would walk to advance all runners and score Millard for a 3-0 lead heading into the bottom of the second.
The Cavs had another three-run inning in the top of the third to extend their lead to 6-0. Smith singled to left field and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Ava Hockey. Monica Brandts then walked to put runners on first and second for UVa-Wise. Millard grounded out while Brandts and Smith advanced to put the Cavs in scoring position. Jones then hammered a three-run homer, scoring Brandts and Smith.
The Fighting Falcons would get two runs across in the bottom of the fifth inning when Jenny Stubbs singled up the middle to score Heidi Hormell. Burgess then flied out to right field, plating Weaver for an unearned run as the Cavs went on to earn a 6-2 victory.
Jones had a big day as she went 2-for-4 at the plate in game two with a run and four RBI. Smith and Brandts both were 1-for-2 with a pair of runs while Brandts recorded an RBI.
Raychel Lapallo (6-3) collected the win for the Cavs as she scattered six hits and fanned three in a complete game effort.
Fairmont State's Hannah Absalom fell to 7-7 with the loss, tossing 2 2/3 innings and allowing six hits with a strike out.
UVa-Wise will return to action on Wednesday, April 18, as the Cavs take on Concord University on the road. First pitch is slated for 2 p.m.
