DUNCAN, S.C. – The Erskine College softball team (22-11, 15-5 CC) fell to eight-seed Emmanuel College (16-27, 8-12) 8-7 behind a five-run seventh inning from the Lions as they rallied past the top-seeded Fleet in the 2021 Conference Carolinas Tournament opener on Thursday afternoon at Tyger River Park.
 
THE ESSENTIALS 
Conf. Carolinas Standings | Stats | Scores
Div. II Scores | Record Book | CC Digital Network
 
THE SERIES
The Fleet still lead the all-time series against Emmanuel 11-4, but the Lions took two of three against the Fleet this season.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Emmanuel got to Erskine starter and Conference Carolinas Pitcher of the Year in the very first inning as a two-run double gave the Lions an early lead. But, the Erskine offense quickly answered back in the bottom half. Kyndall Chandler and Katie Hunter both had two-run singles in the frame and Hunter added another run-scoring hit in the third inning as Erskine led 5-2. In the fourth inning, Faith Belue hit a leadoff double down the left field line and scored on obstruction moments later to put the Fleet in front, 6-2. Emmanuel got a run back in the fifth, but Houge limited the damage and stranded the bases loaded in the sixth inning as the Fleet had a three run lead going into the final inning. But, the Lions exploded for five runs in the seventh and regained the lead at 8-6. Erskine did not quietly in the bottom half as Kenzie Eagleman delivered an RBI single to cut the deficit in half, and Erskine had the tying and winning runs in scoring position but could not answer Emmanuel's late rally as they were defeated in the conference tournament opener, 8-7.

THE PLAYER
GAME 1: Kyndall Chandler was a perfect 3-for-3 for the Fleet with two runs scored and drove in a pair of runs with a first-inning single down the right field line to tie the game.
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
Erskine falls into the loser bracket of the 2021 Conference Carolinas Tournament and will play an elimination game against third-seeded Belmont Abbey College (18-15, 14-6 CC) Friday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. The Crusaders swept the Fleet in a doubleheader in Due West earlier this year back in March.

If the Fleet win, they will play the loser of the Barton-Emmanuel game on Friday at 4:00 p.m.

MORE ABOUT THE ERSKINE COLLEGE FLYING FLEET

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