RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Union University softball team continued its strong start in conference play with a doubleheader sweep of Elizabeth City State University, improving to 4-0 in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association action and winning three of its last four games.

Virginia Union was powered by a dominant day from pitcher Elisia Gonzalez-Pettis, who picked up wins in both games of the doubleheader.

Game One: Virginia Union 9, Elizabeth City State 0 (5 innings)
Virginia Union jumped out to an early lead and never looked back in the opening game.

Janiya Brown set the tone immediately with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first inning. The Panthers continued to build their advantage behind timely hitting and strong pitching.

Gonzalez-Pettis delivered a standout performance in the circle, allowing just two hits while striking out four batters in a complete-game effort.

At the plate, Gonzalez-Pettis also contributed offensively, doubling in the runs that eventually ended the game in the fifth inning via the mercy rule.

Game Two: Virginia Union 7, Elizabeth City State 6
The second game proved to be much tighter, as the Panthers had to rally late for the victory.

Virginia Union trailed 6-4 entering the sixth inning before mounting a comeback. Madsyin Blackwell-Wright sparked the rally with a single that drove in Danae Goree. Later in the inning, Ty'Hiera Wooten brought home Jailyn Myrick on a sacrifice fly to tie the game.

The Panthers completed the comeback in the seventh inning. Madison Crace opened the frame with a triple and later scored the winning run on a single by Goree.

Gonzalez-Pettis earned her second win of the day after coming on in relief of Skylar Rosenbalm.

Coach's Comments
"We were on the money in the first game," said Virginia Union Head Softball Coach Dominique Mulero. "We scored early and did really well defensively. We had a strong performance on the mound with Elisia.

"We came out a little flat in game two. We kept the ball in front of us defensively, but we just couldn't get it going offensively. But we did later in the game, and a win is a win. I'll take being 4-0 in the conference any day."

Up Next
Virginia Union will return to action on March 26 at the CIAA Softball Roundup in Raleigh, N.C.