ATLANTA -- Emory senior pitcher Amanda Kardys tossed a complete-game two hitter and sophomore Alyssa Pollard collected a pair of hits and one RBI to lead the Eagles to a victory against Piedmont and the Atlanta Regional crown of the NCAA Division III championships. No. 15-ranked Emory raised its overall record to 39-7 after posting a 6-1 decision against the Lions who finished out their season at 43-8.
Kardys handcuffed a formidable-hitting Piedmont squad that entered the game with a season batting average of .340 to singles in the first and sixth innings in boosting her record to 27-1. It was her 15th complete outing in 30 starts this year.
Piedmont scored its lone run in the top of the first but saw the Eagles knot the score in their half of the third when senior Megan Light doubled in sophomore Alyssa Pollard who opened the inning with a single. The Eagles broke things open with a four-run fourth inning that was started by a RBI single by senior Lauren Gorodetsky, a sacrifice fly by Pollard and a fielder's choice off the bat of Kersthold. Emory tacked on one more run in the bottom of the sixth when Pollard led off with a triple and Kersthold getting her home on a ground out.
Emory now advances to the best two-out-of three Super Regionals that begin next Fridaywith the opponent and location to be announced on Monday.
