PHOENIX – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Ariz.) softball opened their 2020 season by splitting with (11) Hope International University on Friday, 7-2 and 4-0. A strong showing by Carly Carlsen (SR/Littleton, Colo.) in the circle helped the Eagles (1-1) take home one of the games.

Carlsen was good in the first game but dominated the second. In her complete game, four hit shutout, the senior delivered when her team needed her the most. She powered through fatigue in the fifth inning and stranded two runners with one out.

The first inning of game two is where the Eagles put their stamp on the game. Haley Basye (JR/Tucson, Ariz.) came up with two runners on and roped the Royals (3-1) pitch over the center-field fence to go up 3-0.

The stars of game two on defense was the shortstop Diana Miranda Montano (FR/Tucson, Ariz.) and the third baseman Zoe Streadbeck (JR/Ewa Beach, Hawaii). The freshman made miraculous play after miraculous play to keep the shutout alive. Streadbeck was able to assist on five outs from the hot corner to help the cause.

Game one got away from the Eagles in the sixth inning as four runs came across. ERAU was hanging tough with the Royals No. 1 pitcher, scoring twice before the big inning. Kate Delaney (FR/Fort Collins, Colo.) got her first collegiate double and RBI in the game.

ERAU will be back at it Saturday when they take on in-state rivals, Arizona Christian University at noon MST