Embry-Riddle couldn't overcome early struggles on Friday as the Eagles dropped two games to Hope International at Eagle Softball Field.losing the first 11-6 and the second 13-4.
Game 1
Embry-Riddle softball put together a strong offensive showing on Friday afternoon, but an early surge from Hope International proved too much to overcome as the Eagles fell 11–6 at Eagle Softball Field.
Hope International built its lead in the opening two innings, scoring twice in the first and adding five more in the second to jump ahead 7–0. The Royals' offense was powered by a pair of home runs and a three-hit day from center fielder Vivian Little, who finished with three RBI.
The Eagles responded with resilience, beginning with a three-run second inning sparked by Danica Quinn, who launched a three-run homer to left. Quinn's swing cut the deficit nearly in half and shifted momentum back toward ERAU.
Embry-Riddle continued to chip away in the fifth when Kealey Myhre delivered a two-run home run to right field, bringing the Eagles within 7–5. Myhre reached base twice and drove in three runs on the day.
Anise Romo provided a steady presence in the lineup, going 2-for-3 with a double and scoring twice. Ryan Da Costa, Leah Salas, and Kealey Myhre each added hits as ERAU totaled six on the afternoon.
Hope International added insurance runs in the sixth and seventh innings, capitalizing on timely hitting and an error to extend its lead. The Royals finished with 13 hits overall.
Claire Streeter threw a complete game for the Eagles, striking out four across seven innings.
Game 2
ERAU matched the Royals early, scoring twice in the first inning behind three straight hits from Katie Jamieson, Ryan Da Costa, and Leah Salas, who drove in the Eagles' first run. A bases-loaded walk brought home the second, helping ERAU pull even at 2–2 after one.
Salas anchored the Eagles' offense throughout the afternoon, finishing a perfect 3-for-3 with a double, two RBI, and a stolen base. Da Costa added a 2-for-3 performance with two runs scored and a stolen base, while Jamieson reached twice and also crossed the plate twice. Danica Quinn contributed a double, and Annalie Castanon added a late single off the bench.
Embry-Riddle's best push came in the fourth inning, when aggressive baserunning produced two runs. Jamieson and Da Costa executed a double steal, with Jamieson swiping home, and Salas followed with her third hit of the day to bring ERAU within 8–4.
Hope International, however, continued to apply pressure throughout the lineup, finishing with 16 hits and scoring in four of the five innings played. The Royals were led by multi-hit efforts from several players, including three-hit performances by Vivian Little and Emma McCraw.
Presley Daniel worked 4.2 innings in the circle for ERAU, while Emily Jones appeared in relief.
The two teams will play the final two games of the doubleheader on Saturday at 12pm.
