George Washington University Athletics
George Washington University
Elon
GW Softball Edged by Elon
3/18/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
GREENSBORO, S.C. - Rookie starter Jayme Cone tossed her first career complete game, but the George Washington softball team was edged by Elon, 3-2, on Friday evening on the second day of the UNC Greensboro-hosted Blue/Gold Challenge.
The Colonials (9-10) struck first, scoring one run in the top of the second. Sophomore Alana Anderson led off the inning with an infield single and advanced to third after junior Macchiarulo reached base on a throwing error by the catcher. With two outs, sophomore Morgan Rinehart dropped a bunt single to score Anderson as the Buff and Blue took a 1-0 lead.
The Phoenix responded with a run in the bottom of the frame on a single and an RBI double to right center to knot the game at 1-1.
The Colonials regained the edge in the fourth as Anderson reached on an error with one out. A sacrifice bunt by Macchiarulo moved Anderson to second and a bunt single by senior Morgan Matetic put runners on the corners. Anderson then stole home to put the Colonials up, 2-1, before the side was retired.
The deciding blow came in the bottom of the inning, as Elon led off the frame with a single through the left side. A throwing error on a sacrifice bunt put runners on the corners, and a stolen base put two in scoring position for the Phoenix. A two-run single put Elon up, 3-2.
GW threatened in the seventh as Matetic singled to center for her second hit of the night. A ground out moved Matetic into scoring position before Rinehart singled up the middle, but Matetic was caught at home as Elon (14-12) took the victory.
Matetic and Rinehart each finished the day with 2-for-3 efforts at the plate. Cone tosses a solid six innings, allowing three runs - two earned - on six hits and just two walks.
GW concludes play at the Blue/Gold Challenge on Saturday with an 11:30 a.m. contest against Northern Illinois before facing host UNC Greensboro at 3:30 p.m.
