GREENSBORO, NC (EMU Athletics) – The EMU Softball team wrapped up its 2026 season in a doubleheader against Guilford on Saturday, as well as the 23-year storied career of EMU skipper JD McCurdy.
In game one, EMU took a lead in the fifth, but the Quakers responded with a pair of runs and held the Royals scoreless in the sixth and seventh to pick up a 5-4 win. In game two, things were tied at two after the fourth inning, before Guilford used a three spot in the bottom of the fifth for a 5-2 rain-shortened win.
EMU at Guilford – Game One
Records: EMU 6-27, 2-17 ODAC | Guilford 17-21-1, 7-12 ODAC
WP: Shiloh Gray (6-6)
LP: Jordan Lane (1-11)
Highlights
First Inning
In the top of the first, Braxten Jones was hit by a pitch with one out, moved to second when Meaghan Dean singled up the middle and then came in to score after Hannah Johnston reached on a fielding error.
With the error keeping the inning alive for EMU, and putting runners on second and third, an RBI single from Maggie Mayhew and a steal of home put EMU ahead 3-0.
That lead was short lived, however, as Guilford used a pair of hits and two walks to pull back even with EMU after one.
Fifth Inning
Neither team did much at the plate in the middle innings, bringing EMU to the plate in the top of the fifth. Payton Keesee singled to center, followed by Aliza Judd’s base hit to left. A fielding error loaded the bases and Destiny Jones’ sac fly plated Keesee to put EMU ahead by one.
In the bottom of the fifth, Lane took over the Haley Lambert. The first batter walked, stole second and came in to score after a single and an error.
The error allowed the batter to reach third, and she came around to score on a sac fly to right-center, giving the Quakers a one-run lead. GC looked to add an insurance run after a runner got to second, but Lane shut it down with a strikeout. But unfortunately for the Royals, they would only get one more runner on, a walk from Johnston in the stop of the sixth, as Guilford hung on for the game one win.
Statistical Leaders
Mayhew: 1-3, RBI, SB
Dean, Judd, Keesee: 1 hit apiece
EMU at Guilford – Game Two
Records: EMU 6-28, 2-18 ODAC | Guilford 18-21-1, 8-12 ODAC
WP: Dillon Northen (6-2)
LP: J. Lane (1-12)
Highlights
Second and Third Innings
Mayhew reached on a fielder’s choice, which was followed by back-to-back singles from Aspen Jones and Brooke Morris, which plated Mayhew and gave EMU a 1-0 lead.
Guilford didn’t score in the bottom of the second, but tied the game in the bottom of the third, using a pair of hits to pull even.
Fourth and Fifth Innings
In the top of the fourth, Johnston led off with a single, moved to second on a sac bunt, got to third on another single from Morris and came in to score on a sac fly from A. Jones, putting the Royals on top.
The Quakers were able to break the game open in the bottom of the fifth, sending nine batters to the plate, collecting four hits and scoring three runs, taking a 5-2 lead. That would be enough as the game was called after the fifth inning due to rain.
Statistical Leaders
A. Jones: 1-1, 2 RBI
Johnston: 2-2, R
Morris: 2-2
What’s Next
This doubleheader wraps up the Royals 2026 season. They graduate just one senior, Kaliyah Braxton, and will return a plethora of talent to the 2027 squad. They will also have a new coach for the first time in 23 years.
— EMU Athletics —
