ETTRICK, VA- The Virginia State University softball team rounded out their regular season with a doubleheader victory over Richard Bland College. Game 1 ended with a close 8-7 victory, while game 2 gave the Trojans a 3-1 win.
After taking down RBC, the Trojans advance to a 17-21 overall record, 11-6 in the CIAA, while RBC shifts to a 14-20 overall record. VSU redeemed themselves after falling short to Richard Bland on March 20.
Despite Stephanie Sandridge advancing home to give VSU the first run of the game 1, RBC took charge of the 2nd and 3rd inning, bringing the score to 7-1. Hope was not lost for the Trojans as Sydnee Brown hit a double to center field, moving 3 Trojans home. VSU continued to battle back with 4 runs in the 5th inning by Brooklynn Bilyard, Vanessa Ruby, Kennedy Presson and Sydnee Brown. The Trojans claimed their game 1 win with a score of 8-7.
Sandrige and Bilyard were equally matched with 2 runs each, but Brown led the charge with 5 RBI's. Presson secured the win for game 1 after pitching 3 innings on 2 strikeouts, while Bilyard is credited with the save after 4 innings on 4 strikeouts.
Game 2 breezed by as VSU secured a quick 3-1 victory. Bilyard and Presson were the first runs on the board at the bottom of the 1st inning to open game 2. Both teams remained scoreless until Richard Bland crossed home plate at the top of the 5th inning. The Trojans grasped the last run of the game, when Samantha Cunningham advanced home.
Sandridge and Ruby collected a single RBI each, while Bilyard is credited for the win with 4 strikeouts over 7 innings.
The Trojans will now focus on the upcoming 2019 CIAA Championship on April 29-May 1 in Salem, VA. VSU is currently ranked 2nd in the CIAA Northern Division with a divisional record of 6-4.
For more information on the VSU softball program, visit govsutrojans.com, follow @VSUsports on Twitter or call 804-524-5031.
