NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 4, Emory 0
Records: Piedmont, 31-10; Emory, 31-11
 
DEMOREST, Ga. – The Piedmont College softball team shut out Emory, 4-0, on Saturday afternoon to advance to the NCAA Regional Championship Round, which is scheduled for Sunday in Demorest.
 
For the second straight day, Piedmont (31-10) starter MELISSA ECKMAN was dominant in the circle, firing a complete game, three-hit shutout to help the Lady Lions advance.
 
After not scoring until the fifth inning in yesterday's win over Transylvania, PC wasted no time against the Eagles (31-11), striking for a run in the first inning. MARIANN KENNISON's one-out triple set up an RBI opportunity for HANNAH HOBAN, who delivered an opposite field RBI double to give Piedmont a 1-0 lead.
 
With Eckman cruising through the first four innings not allowing a run, Piedmont tacked on two more runs on Kennison's bases loaded two RBI single to right field.
 
The Lady Lions then added an extra insurance run in the bottom of the sixth as TK SAULS dropped down a perfectly placed bunt to score DREW GRAHAM from third.
 
Eckman returned to the circle and retired the Eagles in order to seal the win for Piedmont.
 
Up next, the Lady Lions will rest until Sunday, when they are scheduled to play at 12 p.m. against whichever team advances between Emory, Emory & Henry and Transylvania.
 
TURNING POINT:
- Piedmont left fielder MARIANN KENNISON made three outstanding plays in the field, throwing out Emory leadoff hitter Jenna Wilson at second base in the first before making two diving catches to rob the Eagles of two extra-base hit opportunities.
 
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- In addition to her superb work in the field, Kennison continued to dominate at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a pair of RBI.
- MELISSA ECKMAN controlled the Emory offense throughout, not allowing a run on just three hits in her second straight complete game.
 
NEWS AND NOTES:
- The Lady Lions will be attempting to advance out of an NCAA Regional for the first time in program history.
 
HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont College Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.