The New York University softball posted team a pair of comeback victories, defeating Emory University in both games of a University Athletic Association (UAA) doubleheader on Saturday, April 8, at the College of Staten Island on Staten Island, NY.

The Violets trailed in both contests before posting a pair of one-run victories 8-7 and 4-3.

"We're starting to hit a groove," said Head Coach Now-Allah James. "We're getting timely hits at the plate and we're stringing them together."

In the opener, NYU trailed 7-4 after Emory's four-run top of the sixth. But, the Violets did likewise in the bottom of the frame to retake the lead.

The go-ahead rally started with a leadoff walk to Mia Lemmon. Lily Candelaria reached on an Emory error, and one-out later Bella Dunning's double plated both runners. Samantha Burggraf's single tied the game, and she wound up at third following Madi Hand's single. The pair then pulled off a double steal as NYU went ahead 8-7.

Marina Egbert was brought in to pitch the top of the seventh. She hit a batter and allowed a hit, but worked out of the jam to record her second save of the season.

NYU had taken a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first on a wild pitch and Emma Aridi's sacrifice fly, then tacked on two more unearned runs in the fourth.

Jessie Werthman earned the win in relief of starter Emily Stone.

In game two, Angelina Biele went the distance for the Violets who trailed 1-0 and then 2-1 before mounting another comeback.

NYU evened it up in the bottom of the third on Burggraf's double and then took the lead with two runs in the next inning. Both of those runs were driven in on a double by Hannah Becker.

The Eagles rallied in the top of the seventh to pull within a run, but Biele induced Page Nellis to foul out to Burggraf at third base for the game's final out.

"Emory plays really hard and with a lot of grit," James explained. "We're matching that grit. We've taken advantage of any mistakes that they've made and we're limiting our mistakes. It's always great when you can beat a tough opponent."
 
Biele struck out seven and allowed only two earned runs and one walk as she earned her third win of the season.   

Burggraf had four hits in the doubleheader and Sophia Leon had three. Dunning recorded three hits and four RBI, and the Violets pilfered 10 bases in the twinbill.

The two teams wrap up the four-game series with a 10:00am game on Sunday.