Softball Opens Season with One-Run Wins Over Elms, Clark

NAPLES, Fla.- The Eastern Nazarene College softball team picked up a pair of one-run victories Saturday afternoon on the first day of the 2017 season. The Lions began play at the Gene Cusic Classic in Florida with a 3-2 win over Elms and a 1-0 decision against Clark.

Eastern Nazarene improves to 2-0 on the year with the results. The Blazers fall to 0-2 overall while the Cougars move to 1-1.

Lauren Clements (Garrison, Texas) registered two hits, one RBI, and one run scored on the day. Emily Gomez (Floral Park, N.Y.) tallied a pair of base knocks while Viviana Coix (Warrenville, Ill.) finished with one hit, one run scored, one RBI, and a stolen base. Kori Bow (Shaftsbury, Vt.) chipped in with a hit and an RBI.

The Lions recorded three hits and edged Elms 3-2 in the first game of the 2017 campaign.

After five scoreless frames, Eastern Nazarene plated three runs in the top of the sixth to grab a 3-0 lead. Coix laced a single up the middle to drive in Kayleen Garrick (Sparks, Nev.) from second base to open the scoring. Clements roped a single to left to score Coix from second. Ellisa McCarthy (Quincy, Mass.) crossed the dish with the Lions' third run of the inning after a throwing error as she swiped second base.

Elms collected two runs in the bottom of the seventh to cut the deficit to 3-2. Kacey Gifford and Madison Messier each picked up RBI base knocks for the Blazers.

Rookie Elisabeth Schaffer (Benton, Pa.) earned her first collegiate victory in her season debut as she tossed a complete game and fanned 11 batters.

Raeanna Tumel and Jeszy McGuire both saw action in the pitcher's circle for Elms in the game.

In the second contest of the day, the Lions clipped Clark 1-0

Eastern Nazarene scored the lone run of the game in the top of the fourth as Bow drove in Clements from second base with a single to center.

Heidi Gomez (Floral Park, N.Y.) pitched a complete-game shutout for the Lions and posted eight strikeouts.

Up next, Eastern Nazarene returns to action in the Sunshine State March 6 to battle New Jersey City and Rivier.