MARSHALL, Texas. --- The Moravian University softball team scored four runs in the top of the second on the way to a 4-1 lead over No. 1 Salisbury (Md.) University in the opening game of the 2023 NCAA Division III Championship Tournament hosted by East Texas Baptist University Thursday. 

How It Happened

• The Greyhounds scored all four of their runs in the top of the second inning. Sophomore right fielder Sage Snyder was hit by a pitch with one out while junior designated player Emily Silberman singled to right field with freshman second baseman Hailey Tanner coming in to run. Sophomore center fielder Jessica Forder followed with a single to center field to load the bases. Sophomore pitcher Madi Cunningham ripped a two-RBI double to left field to score Snyder and Tanner. After an out and a pitching change, sophomore third baseman Holly Walter connected on a two-RBI triple to right field that chased Forder and Cunningham across the plate. The Hounds drew two more walks to load the bases again before the inning ended
• The Sea Gulls left two runners on base in the third and fourth innings
• Moravian looked to add to its lead in the top of the fifth inning but had sophomore first baseman Lindsey Gawrys thrown out at the plate trying to score on a wild pitch
• Salisbury would get onto the scoreboard with a run in the bottom of the fifth
• The Blue & Grey loaded the bases in the top of the sixth but were unable to score
• The Sea Gulls put a runner into scoring position in the seventh frame before the Greyhounds made the final out 

Inside the Numbers

• Moravian had eight hits in contest with Cunningham going 2-for-3 with two RBIs, a pair of doubles and a run
• Walter was 1-for-3 with a triple and two RBIs while Forder was 1-for-3 with a run. Gawrys and junior shortstop Ajala Elmore were both 1-for-3
• Silberman went 1-for-2 while Snyder and Tanner each scored once
• Cunningham improved to 19-6 in the circle this season as she allowed a run on eight hits to go with one strikeout and no walks
• The Greyhounds are in their fourth appearance in the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament and first since 2010. The victory gives the Hounds a 4-6 mark in the championship round with the last three wins all coming against Salisbury with the win on Thursday and two back in 2004 when the Blue & Grey reached the national championship game. Current Salisbury Head Coach Lacey Lord was the Sea Gulls pitcher back in 2004
• The win also guarantees that Moravian will reach 50 games played for the first time in program history
• The Hounds became the first team and student-athletes in school history in any sport to compete in the month of June 

Up Next for the Greyhounds

• Friday, June 2 vs. No. 2 Berry (Ga.) College in 2023 NCAA Division III Championship Tournament in Marshall, Texas, 4:00 p.m. CDT
• Saturday or Sunday, June 3 or 4 vs. TBD in 2023 NCAA Division III Championship Tournament in Marshall, Texas – Note Date, Time and Opponent for game depends on results on June 2