Buena Vista, Va. – The Southern Virginia University softball team split a doubleheader against Methodist University on Saturday afternoon, falling 5–3 in game one before bouncing back for a 3–1 victory in game two.
The win also marked head coach Tiffane Pendleton's 100th career victory. She is in her eighth season at the helm of the Knights, the longest tenure in program history.
Game 1: Methodist 5, Southern Virginia 3
Both teams were locked in a pitcher's duel through the first four innings before the Monarchs broke through with three runs in the fifth.
The Knights responded in the sixth when Emma Cox scored on a throwing error following a sacrifice bunt, cutting the deficit to 3–1 heading into the final inning.
Methodist added two insurance runs in the seventh, and despite a two-run home run from Berkeley Whitten in the bottom half, Southern Virginia came up short, 5–3.
Game 2: Southern Virginia 3, Methodist 1
The Knights bounced back in game two behind a dominant performance from Malia Stauffer, who tossed a complete game while allowing just four hits.
Southern Virginia provided all the offense it would need in the first inning, as Berkeley Whitten launched a three-run home run to left field for the second straight game.
Stauffer and the Knights' defense held firm the rest of the way to secure the 3–1 victory.
Southern Virginia now hits the road for a doubleheader against Salem College on Wednesday, April 15, with first pitch scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
For the latest updates on Southern Virginia University softball, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_softball on Instagram.
