RALEIGH, N.C. --- The Golden Eagles of Clarion (3-1) had an impressive showing on Sunday, clinching two tight victories in Raleigh. They first edged out Staten Island (1-3) with a narrow 4-3 win before sealing a 2-1 triumph over Virginia Union (1-8), rounding out an undefeated day.
 
Game 1: Clarion 4, Staten Island 3
 
In the game against Staten Island, Clarion's offense came alive with a pair of clutch extra-base hits, including a pivotal triple, contributing to their five total hits. The Golden Eagles ignited in the middle innings, beginning with a two-run surge in the second. Sabi Medrano singled, and a fielder's choice along with an error allowed both Medrano and Emma Houk to score. Alexis Valencia's RBI single in the fifth, coupled with her swift base running, extended the lead, followed by Sami Springman's RBI double in the sixth that stretched it to 4-1. Though defensive hiccups emerged late, allowing two unearned runs in the seventh due to a shortstop miscue, the Golden Eagles held their ground to secure a hard-fought victory. Valencia added a critical insurance hit with a triple in the seventh, reinforcing the team's determination.
 
Rian Reed took control on the mound for Clarion, pitching a complete game across 7.0 innings, surrendering only three hits and one earned run. Reed faced 27 batters, issued two walks, and recorded 14 fly outs and 5 ground outs, maintaining poise despite allowing a home run.
 
Alexis Valencia shone in the first game with two hits, including a triple, and one RBI. Emma Houk contributed a hit, scored twice, and swiped a base. Sami Springman added a double and an RBI.
 
Game 2: Clarion 2, Virginia Union 1
 
In the subsequent game against Virginia Union, the Golden Eagles built their lead in the fourth and sixth innings. In the fourth, Sabi Medrano got on base with a walk and advanced on an error, setting the stage for Jordy Best's RBI single to left center, bringing Houk home. The sixth inning saw Emily Buchleitner single and advance on another error, eventually scoring on Houk's productive groundout to second, making it 2-0. Virginia Union made a last-ditch effort in the seventh with a leadoff double from Jailyn Myrick and an RBI single by Janiya Brown, cutting the Golden Eagles' lead to a single run, but Clarion's defense remained resolute, shutting down any further scoring threats.
 
Angelina Pepe turned in a strong performance on the mound, pitching 4.0 innings without giving up a run and allowing just two hits, while striking out two and walking three. Emma Hipps came in as relief, delivering 3.0 innings of work, giving up one earned run on three hits.
 
In the second game, Emma Houk drove in one of the two runs, while Jordy Best added a hit and an RBI, and Emily Buchleitner contributed with a hit and a run.
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