Raleigh, NC.- The Southern Virginia University Knights fought hard but were unable to overpower the William Peace Pacers in a conference matchup doubleheader on Saturday, March 22nd, falling 5-3 and 11-1. 

Game 1

The first inning went quick, with three ground outs from Southern Virginia University, followed by a one run frame from William Peace. Second inning was likewise, with no runs to score, but two Knight batters reaching base. 

The game picked up in inning four, with singles from Taelor Ware, Sophia Badel, Abby Southern, and Matea Manulelua sending in three runs for the Knights, shifting the momentum their way with a score reading 3-1. The pacers battled back, however, racking up two runs in the bottom of the fourth after a walk and an error in the Knight's backfield. 

The Knight's impressive defense showed through in the bottom of the fifth with a double play to shut out the inning. Unfortunately, the Knight's defense was unable to stop the Pacers offense in the bottom of the seventh, and the Pacers scored two more, on a double to right center, and a similar double to left center. The final score read 5-3, Pacers. 

Game 2

After a close matchup in the first game with a tied score until the bottom of the seventh, the Knights returned to the field looking for a comeback opportunity. 

Up until the bottom of the third inning, Southern Virginia University kept it close, looking for that redemption game. However, when the Pacers stepped up to bat, they came out swinging. A total of 5 runs were scored in the third by William Peace, taking advantage of the defensive errors made by Southern Virginia that allowed three of the five runs. 

In the top of the fourth, Sophia Badel homered over left field, her fourth of the season, providing the only run for the game to the Knights.  The bottom of the inning proved similar for the Pacers, as their continuous momentum kept racking up runs, totaling the scoreboard at 11-1.

The fifth inning did not produce any changes in score for either team, leaving the final at 11-1. 

The Knights look forward to playing against Averett University in Danville, Virginia on March 25, at 2:00 and 4:00 PM. 

For the most up-to-date information regarding Southern Virginia University softball, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_softball on Instagram.