Softball Opens Season with Losses to Waynesburg, Montclair State Monday

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.- The Eastern Nazarene College softball team suffered an 11-2 setback before dropping a 9-8 decision to Montclair State in the first games of the 2023 campaign Monday evening. Monday's contests marked the head coaching debut of Lions' head coach Tyler Pagaduan.

ENC VS. WAYNESBURG
THE BASICS:
Score: Eastern Nazarene 2, Waynesburg 11
Records: Lions (0-1) | Yellow Jackets (3-1)


HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Waynesburg manufactured three runs in the top of the first inning to seize an early 3-0 lead.
• The Yellow Jackets tacked on a run in the third to widen the margin to 4-0.
• Waynesburg added one run in the fourth frame to extend its advantage to 5-0.
• Eastern Nazarene got on the board with a pair of scores in the home half of the fourth to cut the deficit to 5-2. Alex Schwenger (Danville, Calif.) and Bailey Olaveson (Lakeside, Calif.) belted back-to-back solo home runs.
• The Yellow Jackets responded with six runs in the fifth to extended their lead to 11-2.
  

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Alex Schwenger (Danville, Calif.) collected two hits to go with one RBI and one run scored.
• Bailey Olaveson (Lakeside, Calif.) added one hit, one RBI, and one run scored.
• Mackenzie Murray (Lakeville, Mass.) registered one base knock in the contest.
• Jennelle Munoz (Lake Elsinore, Calif.) pitched a complete game and recorded one strikeout in her first start of the season.

ENC VS. MONTCLAIR STATE
THE BASICS:
Score: Eastern Nazarene 8, Montclair State 9
Records: Lions (0-2) | Red Hawks (2-0)


HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Montclair State snagged a 1-0 edge with one run in the top of the first inning.
• The Red Hawks tallied three runs in the third to stretch their lead to 4-0.
• Eastern Nazarene got on the board in the home half of the third frame, scoring twice to narrow the gap to 4-2.
• Montclair State plated one run in the fourth inning to grab a three-run advantage, 5-2.
• The Lions responded with two runs in the fourth to cut the deficit to 5-4.
• The Red Hawks produced three runs in the fifth to widen the margin to 8-4.
• Montclair State tacked on a run in the sixth to extend its lead to 9-4.
• Eastern Nazarene manufactured three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to pull to within two, 9-7.
• The Lions managed one run in the seventh to trim the gap to 9-8.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Yaya Bowden (Danbury, Conn.) posted three hits and scored three runs.
• Alexys Giddings (Kuna, Idaho) finished with three base knocks and two runs scored.
• Taylor Brandt (Napa, Calif.) and Bailey Olaveson (Lakeside, Calif.) both chipped in with a pair of hits and one run scored.
• In the pitcher's circle, Alexys Giddings (Kuna, Idaho) threw a complete-game and finished with two strikeouts.

UP NEXT:

Eastern Nazarene will face Cazenovia and Dean March 7.