The Basics
Game 1: #14 Evangel 2, (RV) Avila 1 | Box Score
Game 2: #14 Evangel 6, (RV) Avila 8 | Box Score
Record: Evangel (35-9, 17-5), Avila (26-17, 15-7)
Location: Springfield, Mo. (University Field)
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Valor Softball returned to action on Wednesday (Apr. 15) afternoon, playing host to the (RV) Avila Eagles, looking to bounce back after a road split with Bethany over the weekend.
Natalie Morgan’s fourth inning home run in game one proved to be the difference, as EU earned the 2-1 win behind a strong performance in the circle from Maddy Meierer. In game two, the Valor led early, but a six run sixth inning for the Eagles hurt EU, as the Valor fell 8-6.
NOTABLE
- Maddy Meierer earned the win in game one, striking out seven batters and earning the 59th win of her career, breaking the school record for wins in a career in just her third season of play. (Record formerly held by EU HOF Wendy Niebuhr, 2002-05).
- Natalie Morgan hit her fourth home run of the season in the game one victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Avila got on the board early in game one, using a walk and a double to earn the first run of the contest.
- Evangel was able to get their lead-off batter on base in both the first and second innings, but left both Kenna Mayfield and Natalie Morgan stranded.
- The Valor plated their first run in the bottom of the third, as Mayfield was hit by a pitch, stole second, and scored on a Naomi Perkins triple to right center field, tying the game up at 1-1.
- The deciding run came in the bottom of the fourth inning, as Morgan hit a lead-off home run to give EU a 2-1 advantage that Maddy Meierer and the Valor defense held, taking the win in game one.
- Avila scored a pair of runs in the top of the second to lead EU early in game two, 2-0.
- Evangel’s offense exploded for five runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Lauren Dill singled, followed by walks from Morgan and Hayleigh Shubert. With the bases loaded and no outs, Kaylee Dolores delivered a single to score Dill, with Morgan scoring on a wild pitch. Camryn Casey came up clutch, hitting a triple to right center field to score both Chloe Krans, who was running for Shubert, and Dolores. Facklam reached base on a bunt and scored on a Danielle Cutbirth double to give EU a 5-2 lead.
- Six Eagles runs in the top of the sixth gave Avila a 8-5 lead.
- Evangel put pressure on Avila in the bottom of the seventh, as Mayfield singled, stole second, and advanced to third on a Perkins single. Dill hit a sacrifice fly to score Mayfield, making it a 8-6 ballgame with two outs. Morgan hit a single, followed by a walk from Shubert to load the bases. Evangel was unable to get the game winning runs across the plate, falling too little, too late, 8-6 after a groundout closed the game.
UP NEXT
Evangel Softball concludes their home slate of games in the 2026 season, hosting the Bethel College Threshers for a KCAC doubleheader on Saturday (Apr. 18) afternoon, beginning at 1:00 p.m.