ETTRICK, VA (February 3, 2019) - The VSU Trojan softball team made an impact and competed hard against the top ranked UVA –Wise in their Sunday doubleheader matchup. Despite falling short of a win in both games, the Trojans proved to have a jelled team of returners, transfers and freshman.  

THE BASICS
SCORE| Virginia State 5, UVA-Wise 9
               Virginia State 3, UVA-Wise 7
VSU RECORD | 1-3 overall
GAME LOCATION| VSU Softball Field
 
GAME 1
After a scoreless first inning from both teams, UVA-Wise got on the board in the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th innings for a combined 8 runs. The Trojans got on the board at the bottom of the 5^th inning with Kennedy Presson doubling to right field, bring Kara Morris home. As Julia Jones stepped in to pinch run for Presson, Brooklynn Bilyard secured a base hit, allowing Jones and Vanessa Ruby to cross home plate. At the end of 5 innings, the Trojans trailed Wise, 8-3.
At the bottom of the 6^th inning, Presson not only mimicked the 5^th inning by bringing Morris home for the run, but Stephanie Sandridge found an opening to advance home as well. VSU battled back by closing the run gap, 8-4. Wise managed to gain an additional run, bringing the final score to 9-5.
Kara Morris led the Trojans with 2 runs, while Kennedy Presson brought in 3 runners. Stephanie Sandridge, Vanessa Ruby and Juila Jones, each gave VSU a single run.
Presson and Bilyard pitched for the Trojans with a combined 8 strikeouts.
 
GAME 2
Both teams were equally match in the first inning with a single run. A single to centerfield by Sydnee Brown gave Stephanie Sandridge a chance to advance home. After a scoreless 2^nd inning, the score remained 1-all. UVA-Wise secured 2 runs in the 3^rd off of wild pitches, while Presson's single to shortstop advanced Sandridge home. At the end of 3, VSU trailed 3-2.
Although Wise secured a run at the top of the 4^th inning, the Trojans answered back with a single to centerfield by Darnae Jones, advancing Brooklynn Bilyard home. The visitor's picked up 3 additional runs in the final innings to take a 7-3 win over VSU.
Presson, Sandridge and Darnae Jones each secured an RBI while Sandridge led the charge for the Trojans with 2 runs. Bilyard also left her mark with a single run for the Trojans.
 
THE TROJANS
Despite falling short of a win in both games, the Trojans proved that they work well as a team and are able to bounce back and secure runs. VSU looks to continue to build off of this quality as they progress throughout the season.
 
UP NEXT
The Trojans will be back in action on February 9-10 for two non-conference doubleheader matchups against Queens College in Charlotte, NC on February 9 and Catawba College in Salisbury, NC on February 10. The first pitch on both games are slated for 12 p.m. at their respective locations.
 
For the most up-to-date information on VSU softball please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.