RALEIGH, N.C. — The Golden Eagles softball team opened up their 2026 season on Saturday, splitting a pair of games at the Triangle Classic at Walnut Creek. Clarion opened the season with a nail-biting 5-4 loss to Chowan before bouncing back for a 10-7 victory over Elizabeth City State.
Game 1: Chowan 5, Clarion 4
In the opener against Chowan, Clarion packed all four of its runs into a thrilling second inning, highlighted by a trio of home runs.
Delanie Davison sparked the rally with a solo homer to right center. After
Amber Gilliam reached base on an error,
Sami Springman smashed a two-run homer, pulling the Golden Eagles back into contention.
Jordy Best kept the momentum alive with another solo blast to right center, giving Clarion a brief 4-3 edge.
However, the Hawks edged ahead in the sixth when Ava Mizell launched a solo shot to left center, nudging Chowan to a 5-4 advantage. Kyra Helton chipped in with a single, turning up the heat on the Golden Eagles' defense. Despite their determined push, Clarion couldn't capitalize on late-game opportunities, leaving a runner stranded at third in the final inning.
Emma Hipps took the mound for 5.1 innings, giving up 8 hits and 5 earned runs while striking out four and walking five. She surrendered two doubles and a home run but found her groove midway, holding Chowan scoreless in the second and third.
Angelina Pepe provided solid relief, pitching 2/3 of an inning with two strikeouts, shutting down the remaining Hawks without a hit or walk.
Game 2: Clarion 10, Elizabeth City State 7
In the second game against Elizabeth City State, the Golden Eagles (1-1) soared to a 10-7 triumph, showcasing an explosive offensive performance with 11 hits, including a home run, and stealing four bases to keep the pressure on. Valencia's lightning speed was crucial, as she stole second and then third, setting up
Emily Buchleitner for an RBI single.
Delanie Davison then smashed a three-run homer, giving Clarion a comfortable early lead.
The Vikings tried to rally in the fifth inning, closing the gap with two runs, but the Golden Eagles quickly regained control in the sixth.
Sami Springman kicked things off with a leadoff double, and
Malina Serrano got on base after being hit by a pitch.
Emma Hipps came through with a clutch RBI single, bringing Springman home.
Alexis Valencia kept the momentum going with a fielder's choice that allowed Serrano to score, and Buchleitner wrapped up the inning with a two-run single, padding the lead. The Vikings ended their final inning with three groundouts, securing the victory for the Golden Eagles.
Ainsley Perdicaris took to the mound for 5 innings in the second game, giving up seven hits and six earned runs, with three strikeouts and two walks.
Rian Reed stepped in for relief, pitching two hitless innings and allowing only one earned run. Reed issued one walk, struck out one, and closed the game with a spotless seventh inning.
Buchleitner was on fire against ECSU with three hits, including a double, and drove in five runs. Valencia showcased her speed, scoring three runs and stealing three bases. Davison chipped in with a home run, adding three RBIs, while Hipps had two hits, scored once, and drove in a run, highlighting a solid team effort.
