Embry-Riddle won 8-1 in game one followed by a 2-0 game two win over Benedictine Mesa at Eagle Softball Field on Sunday afternoon to start GSAC play 2-0.  Pitcher Vanessa Brink earned both wins and now has over 600 strikeouts in her career as an Eagle.  

Game 1:

Game Highlights:

• Early Momentum: Embry-Riddle set the tone early, scoring two runs in the first inning. Lily Anderson singled to center field, followed by a triple from Leah Salas that brought Anderson home. A sacrifice fly by Autumn Sulusi then allowed Salas to score, giving the Eagles an early 2-0 lead.

• Pitching Dominance: Brink delivered an outstanding performance on the mound, pitching six innings, striking out eight batters, and allowing only one earned run. Her control and precision kept Benedictine Mesa's hitters at bay throughout the game.

• Consistent Offense: The Eagles continued to apply pressure, adding a run in the fifth inning with a double by Anise Romo that scored Kealey Myhre. The sixth inning saw a flurry of activity, with Embry-Riddle scoring five runs, highlighted by a two-RBI double from Romo and a two-RBI single from Arianna Garcia.

Key Players:

• L. Salas: 2 hits, 1 triple, 1 RBI
• A. Romo: 2 hits, 2 doubles, 3 RBIs
• A. Garcia: 2 hits, 2 RBIs
• V. Brink: 6 innings pitched, 8 strikeouts

Game 2:

Game Highlights:

• Pitching Mastery: Embry-Riddle's pitchers were in top form. Maddy Tuning started the game, pitching four innings, allowing only four hits, and striking out three batters. Brink took over in the fifth inning, delivering three shutout innings, striking out four batters, and securing the win.

• Defensive Strength: The Eagles' defense was impeccable, with key plays including a double play in the fifth inning and several crucial outs that kept Benedictine Mesa from scoring.  

• Offensive Breakthrough: The game remained scoreless until the sixth inning when Embry-Riddle broke through with two runs. Salas doubled to center field, followed by singles from Sulusi and Jade Bayless, which brought Salas home. Myhre then singled to center field, driving in Sulusi for the second run.

• Benedictine Mesa's Efforts: Despite their efforts, Benedictine Mesa was unable to score, managing only five hits throughout the game. Their attempts to rally were consistently thwarted by Embry-Riddle's strong pitching and defense.

Key Players:

• M. Tuning: 4 innings pitched, 3 strikeouts
• V. Brink: 3 innings pitched, 4 strikeouts
• L. Salas: 1 hit, 1 double
• A. Sulusi: 2 hits
• J. Bayless: 1 hit, 1 RBI
• K. Myhre: 2 hits, 1 RBI

Embry-Riddle will be back on Eagle Softball Field on Friday as ERAU hosts Westcliff at 2pm.