VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. | Manhattanville University softball opened NCAA Regional play with a tightly contested 2-1 victory over Pfeiffer on Thursday afternoon.

Manhattanville (36-8) wasted no time getting on the board, scoring both of its runs in the opening inning. Emma Foster worked a leadoff walk and later came around to score on an RBI single from Josie O’Leary. Isabella Tansey followed with a run-scoring double down the left field line to give the Valiants an early 2-0 advantage.

Pfeiffer (38-10) answered in the second inning, stringing together three hits capped by an RBI double from Kirstyn Herman to cut the deficit in half.

From there, the game turned into a pitcher’s duel. Manhattanville’s Jori Wilkendorf was dominant in the circle, tossing a complete game while allowing just one run on seven hits without issuing a walk. 

Offensively, O’Leary led the way with two hits and an RBI, while Tansey added a hit and RBI. Despite being outhit 7-5, Manhattanville made the most of its early opportunities and played clean defense to secure the win.

With the victory, the Valiants advance in the NCAA Regional, and will face No. 1 Virginia Wesleyan University on Friday, May 15 at 11:00 am.