ELON, NC -- Virginia overcame an early deficit to sweep a softball doubleheader from Elon, 8-2 and 7-1, on Thursday afternoon at East Field.

The Phoenix (13-28) took a 2-0 lead into the fourth inning of the opener before the Cavaliers (42-17) scored once in the fourth to cut the deficit in half. Virginia claimed the lead with five runs in the fifth frame, and tacked two more on in the seventh.

The Cavaliers out-hit the Phoenix 9-4 in the first contest. Both teams stranded four baserunners and both committed two errors.

Jenny Gustin's two-run dinger in the third provided Elon's offense in the opener. Heather Field (1-for-3, 2 runs, 1 RBI, HR, BB) and Kristen Dennis (2-for-3, run, 4 RBI, HR, SH, SF) both homered for Virginia.

Dennis (22-8) worked all seven innings in the circle for the Cavaliers, fanning 13 Phoenix while allowing no earned runs along with just four hits and one walk. Amanda Zenter (8-13) suffered the loss, surrendering seven earned runs on nine hits in seven innings while walking two and striking out four.

In the nightcap, the Cavaliers stretched an early 3-1 edge into a 5-1 advantage with two runs in the third. UVA came up with two more scores in the seventh to determine the contest's final margin.

Virginia outhit the Phoenix 13-4, stranding 10 runners to Elon's three. The Phoenix committed the contest's lone two errors. Field (3-for-5, run, 3 RBI) turned in another key performance for the Cavs.

Erin Allinder (6-3) gave up one earned run on four hits and no walks in seven innings to post the victory. Phoenix starter Shannon Courtney (0-7) was charged with the loss, surrendering three earned runs on eight hits and one walk in two and 2/3 innings.

Elon (4-0 Big South Conference) travels to league foe Winthrop Saturday for a doubleheader at 1 p.m.

Game One Box Score

Game Two Box Score

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