BRIDGEWATER, Va. – The Bridgewater College softball team fell just short of splitting the twin bill with cross-town rival Eastern Mennonite after falling 5-2 in game one and 7-0 during game two on Wednesday afternoon at Fulk Field.

Game one: Eastern Mennonite 5, Bridgewater 2

In the opener, Bridgewater (6-20, 1-7 ODAC) registered seven hits against former ODAC Pitcher of the Week Lauren Seale, but couldn't produce enough runs in a hard fought conference contest.

During the first inning, both teams exchanged runs to get on the scoreboard in the early going. Eastern Mennonite (20-8, 7-3 ODAC) loaded the bases with one out in the top of first and then drove in a run on a groundout to shortstop.

The Eagles answered in the bottom half of the inning with a run on three hits. With one out, back-to-back singles put a runner in scoring position and senior Brianna Cox followed with an RBI single up the middle to even the score, 1-1.

The Eagles claimed the lead in the bottom of the third inning. Freshman Lindsey Talley singled to left center and advanced to second on a grounder. Cox then belted an RBI double to plate Talley and go up 2-1.

The Royals threatened to tie game in the top of the sixth. Danyele Smith led off with a walk and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt. However, Angelia Miller lined out to first base and Aislinn Lucas flied out to right field to leave the runner stranded on third base.

Nonetheless, EMU claimed the lead in the top of the seventh by scoring on a solo home run and three singles. And held the Eagles to one hit in the bottom seventh to secure the win.

Freshman Hannah Nyquist, Talley and Cox were each credited with two hits. Talley also scored two runs and Cox recorded two RBI.

Game two: Eastern Mennonite 7, Bridgewater 0

Royals' ace Sydney Reath only gave up two hits during a shutout win over the Eagles in game two.

The Eagles allowed four unearned runs in the second inning and never recovered as the Royals led wire-to-wire.

In fifth inning, senior Brooke Throckmorton led off with a single up the middle to prevent the no-hitter.

After sophomore pitcher Hannah Trala entered the game, the Royals couldn't get anything going. Trala didn't allow any hits or runs in 2.2 innings of relief.

The Eagles return to action Saturday with an ODAC doubleheader against No. 5 Virginia Wesleyan at Fulk Field. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.