Softball Splits Pair of Game to Open 2019 Campaign

CLERMONT, Fla. -- The Bridgewater State University softball team opened the 2019 season on Saturday at The Spring Games in Clermont, Florida.

The Bears (1-1) posted a 9-5 win over Roger Williams University in the first game, and dropped a 9-3 decision to Washington College in the nightcap.

In the opener, the Bears banged out 11 hits led by a 4-for-4 effort from senior Jenny Heller (Taunton, Mass.). Heller doubled twice, scored two runs and drove in two.

Junior Shannon Grindle (Halifax, Mass.) went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI, while senior Mackenzie Holt (Gilroy, Calif.) finished 2-for-4 with a run scored. Junior Meghan Navarro (Taunton, Mass.) was 1-for-3 at the plate with a double, a walk and two RBI.

Junior pitcher Natalie Sorrenti (Bridgewater, Mass.) picked up the win in the circle for the Bears. Sorrenti (1-0) gave up two runs on six hits over four innings with four strikeouts and a walk.

In game two, Washington College rapped out 13 hits  and took advantage of seven BSU errors as the Shorewomen cruised to the 9-3 victory. Five of Washington's nine runs were unearned.

Junior Leah Stokes (Chandler, Ariz.) and freshman Alyssa Vieira (Mission Viejo, Calif.) each had three hits for Washington. Stokes (3-for-4) scored a run while Vieira (3-for-4) drove in three. Sophomore Caroline Braungard (Lancaster, Pa.) went 1-for-4 with a double, a walk, three runs scored and an RBI.

Junior Rachel Butler (York, Pa.) picked up the win for the Shorewomen. Butler (1-2) allowed two runs on four hits over five innings with a walk and a strikeout.

Navarro and junior Samantha Mulcahy (Taunton, Mass.) notched two hits apiece for the Bears. Navarro went 2-for-3 with a run, while Mulcahy was 2-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored.

Freshman pitcher Kelley Reichert (Milford, Mass.) allowed nine runs (only four of which were earned) on 12 hits in 6 2/3 innings of work for Bridgewater State. Reichert (0-1) fanned four and did not issue a walk in her collegiate debut.

The Bears continue their Spring Games schedule on Sunday when they take on Juniata College at 11:15 AM and Catholic University at 1:30 PM.