SALEM, Va. --- Roanoke dropped two games on Thursday afternoon at Moyer Complex in the 2011 ODAC Softball Tournament. The Maroons, who fell to Virginia Welseyan, 7-4 (9 inn.) and Bridgewater, 2-1 (8 inn.), finished the season with an overall record of 27-11.
The Marlins took an early advantage in the opener, scoring the initial two runs of the game in the top of the first inning. Jaclyn Quinn was walked with the bases loaded, sending home the first run of the inning. The very next batter, Chelsea Henline sacrifice flied out to center field, extending their lead to 2-0.
It was not until the fourth inning when Roanoke was able to respond with two runs of their own. Hollee Warlitner's (Clifton Forge, VA, Alleghany) double RBI shot to right field was good to send home base runners Alea Bier (Bent Mountain, VA, Cave Springs) and Sara Caudle (Irvington, VA, Lancaster), bringing the score to two-a-piece.
Extra innings were inevitable, as neither team was able to manufacture any more runs.
After a scoreless eighth inning, Virginia Wesleyan caught fire, putting together a five-run ninth inning. The Maroons were able to respond with two of their own, highlighted by Stephanie Clark's (Nathalle, VA, Halifax) double RBI, but it would not be enough.
Lis Norwich (Hegins, PA, Tri-Valley) took the loss on the mound for Roanoke, finishing with a 7-3 record on the year. She pitched 8.2 innings and struck out 10 batters. MacKenzie Creech was credited with the win for the Marlins, improving her record to 15-5 this season.
In the second game, the Maroons fell to Bridgewater, 2-1, again in extra innings.
Roanoke was able to get on the scoreboard first in the second inning, when a Bridgewater fielding error allowed Felice Lowery (Madison Heights, VA, Lynchburg Christian) to cross home plate.
It was not until the sixth inning that the Eagles were able to score a run of their own. Melanie Lamb's single RBI hit to center field drove in a run, knotting the score up at 1-1.
Bridgewater struck again in the top of the eighth inning as Emily Morris singled through the left side, driving home which ultimately be the go ahead run for the Eagles.
Clarke was tagged with the loss on the hill for the Maroons. In eight innings pitched, she gave up eight hits, and struck out nine batters. She finished the year with a 4-2 record. Aven Thomas for Bridewater improved to 8-1.
