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CLERMONT, Fla. – The Capital University softball team posted a 1-1 record in a pair of games Tuesday at the NTC Softball Complex on the second day of the team's annual spring break trip.
After defeating Immaculata (Pa.) 14-0 in five innings by the mercy rule, the Crusaders took their first loss of the season, a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Rose-Hulman (Ind.).
Capital (3-1) outhit the Engineers 10-6 in the nightcap but left 11 runners on base. Sophomore pitcher Alyssa Patznick (Newark, Ohio) suffered her first loss of the season, scattering six hits over six innings and striking out three.
Sophomore centerfielder Kelsey Swain (Pickerington, Ohio; above) and senior right fielder Katie Neely (Sugar Grove, Ohio) recorded two hits apiece to lead the Crusaders. Freshman designated player Sarah Nist (North Canton, Ohio) laced a two-run double in the bottom of the fourth inning to tie the affair at 2-2.
Rose-Hulman (2-1) tallied one run each in the fifth and sixth innings to double its lead, which it hung onto despite two runners reaching in the bottom of the seventh.
The contest was delayed after rain halted play at the complex. The game was originally scheduled to be played at 11 a.m. but was pushed to 10 p.m.
In the opener, the Crusaders pounded out 15 hits and put up crooked numbers in four of the five innings. Sophomore pitcher Brooke Billings (Clyde, Ohio) picked up her first win of the season, scattering three hits and two walks while posting three strikeouts in a complete-game, shutout effort.
Senior shortstop Devan Boggs (West Jefferson, Ohio) led Capital with four hits, including two doubles, three runs scored and four runs batted in. Swain was 2-for-4 with three runs and three RBIs, all on a three-run, inside-the-park home run down the left field line in the top of the third inning. The homer was the first of Swain's career and the first for the team.
Freshman second baseman Brooklyn Staten (Grove City, Ohio) singled and scored three times each and knocked in a run. Senior first baseman Lexi Majoy (Huron, Ohio) registered two hits, a run scored and two RBIs.
The Crusaders jumped on the Mighty Macs (0-2) in the first inning on run-scoring hits by sophomore catcher Maura Rose (Williamsport, Pa.) and sophomore left fielder LeAnna Cotton (Okeechobee, Fla.). Capital didn't let up in the second, plating four on doubles by Boggs and Majoy, and an Immaculata error.
Following an off day, the Crusaders return to action Thursday against Hanover (Ind.) and SUNY Canton (N.Y.). The first game begins at 9 a.m. with the second scheduled to start at 11 a.m.