BUIES CREEK, N.C. – The Elon softball team used a three-run top of the fourth inning to take the lead and never looked back, earning a 4-1 victory at Campbell on Friday in game one of its CAA three-game set at Amanda Littlejohn Stadium.
 
Elon improved to 14-27 overall and evened its CAA mark to 8-8. The Camels fell to 26-18 overall with a 12-4 mark in league play.
 
In the Circle

• Anna Dew claimed the win, improving to 10-9 on the year. The junior pitched her 12th complete game of the season, allowing one run on three hits while striking out four.

At the Plate

• Elon held a slight 4-3 advantage in hits over the Camels and improved to 13-1 when outhitting its opponent.
• Four players recorded a hit for the Phoenix: Lani Wyrick, Jenna Klein, Payton Swart and Reili Gardner. Mary Moss Wirt drove in the lone RBI, while Klein and Chloe Hatzopoulos each drew a walk.

The Rundown
Campbell struck first in the bottom of the second. The Camels opened the frame with a leadoff hit and stole second to move into scoring position. A one-out RBI single brought the runner home to give Campbell a 1-0 lead.
 
The Phoenix answered in the top of the fourth, using small ball and taking advantage of a Campbell miscue. Wyrick led off the inning with a bunt single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Klein followed with a walk, and Baulsir moved the runners with a bunt. An errant throw into the outfield allowed Wyrick and Klein to score, while Baulsir advanced to third. She later scored on a sacrifice fly by Wirt, giving Elon a 3-1 lead.
 
Elon added an insurance run in the top of the seventh. Swart led off with a single and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. Another Campbell error allowed Swart to score, extending the Phoenix lead to 4-1.
 
Dew retired the side in the bottom of the seventh to secure the game-one victory.
 
On Deck
Game two of the series between the Phoenix and Camels begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday.