HARRISONBURG, Va. – The Royals softball team had their second doubleheader of the 2023 season, with a Thursday matchup against the Knights of Southern Virginia University.

In the first game, EMU was able to score 5 runs between the fourth and seventh innings but ultimately fell to SVU 14-5. In game two, the Knights starting pitcher kept EMU’s offense in check as SVU picked up a 10-1 five-inning win.

EMU vs SVU – Game One
Records: EMU 2-1, 0-0 ODAC | SVU 4-1, 0-0 USA South
WP: Krystal Kemp (W, 1-1)
LP: Grace Fravel (L, 1-1)

Highlights
• The Knights took a 7-0 lead through the first four innings off Fravel. In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Royals cut into the lead when Becca Boone singled to right center, scoring Samantha Hensley.

• After Kaitlyn Fletcher gave up a run in the top of the fifth, EMU picked up a pair as Reese Rogers doubled to right center, driving in Taylor Umebrger scored. Fletcher then singled in Rogers, cutting the Royals deficit to five.

• The Knights broke things open in the seventh, plating six runs, taking a 14-3 lead. In the bottom of the seventh inning the Royals were able to put two more runs on the board as Fletcher singled through the left side, scoring Umberger and advancing Rogers to second. Rogers then scored on a throwing error by the Knights.

Statistical Leaders
Rogers: 2-4, 2B, 1 RBI, 2R
Fletcher: 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI
Umberger: 2-3, 2H, 2R

EMU vs SVU – Game Two
Records: EMU 2-2, 0-0 ODAC | SVU 5-1, 0-0 USA South

WP: Arianna Prymak (W, 3-0)
LP: Kaitlyn Fletcher (L, 1-1)

Highlights
• The Knights plated four runs in the first and two more in the second, chasing Fletcher, who got the start in the circle. They scored two more in the third and one in the fourth off Fravel before Hensley turned on a ball, driving it over the right field fence, putting EM on the board.

• That would be the only run EMU’s offense would pick up as the Knights starter allowed just four hits in five innings to pick up the win.

Statistical Leaders
Hensley: 1-2, HR, 1 RBI, 1R
Rogers: 1-3, 2B

What’s Next
The Royals will travel to Raleigh, North Carolina on Sunday to face the Panthers of LaGrange College and the Salem Spirits in the Triangle Softball Classic. The first pitch of game one will be at noon.

— EMU Athletics —