PDF Stats (North Carolina game) | PDF Stats (Bradley game)

STATESBORO, Ga. – The Eastern Kentucky University softball team erupted for nine runs in a 9-8 victory over Bradley Saturday afternoon in the Eagle Classic II hosted by Georgia Southern. The Colonels (5-5) lost the day's first game to North Carolina, 7-0.
 
In the win over Bradley (2-9), freshmen Sarah Jackson and Johnkyria Alston each notched their first collegiate home runs. Jackson belted a grand slam in the third inning to put EKU ahead, 4-1. Alston hit a solo shot to lead off the fifth inning to give the Colonels the lead for good, 8-7. Senior Shannon McQueen added an RBI single in the sixth to stretch the cushion to 9-7.
 
The Braves responded with a run in the bottom of the sixth, but senior pitcher Shaylon Robb shut down Bradley in order in the seventh to preserve the victory. Robb (2-1) earned her second victory in as many days thanks to tossing 3.1 innings of relief. The righty limited the Braves to four hits and a run while striking out five batters.
 
All nine starters recorded at least one hit for Eastern. Alston, junior Kayla Joyce and senior Darcy Schueler each tallied two hits. Freshman Paige Murphy reached base three times and scored twice.
 
The first game of the day saw North Carolina (7-4) put up four runs in the third inning to pull away from EKU. The Tar Heels mustered 16 hits against the Colonels and tallied at least two hits in every inning but the second. On the other hand, Eastern Kentucky was limited to a pair of first inning singles from Murphy and junior Sarah Fobbs.
 
Eastern Kentucky is 2-2 after two days at the Eagle Classic II. The Colonels conclude play in the tournament tomorrow, Feb. 22 against NC State. The Wolfpack came away with an 8-1 win over EKU on Friday. Game time is set for 11:30 a.m.