Tigers Open 2011 Campaign In Florida With Split

Caitlin Gowins

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Wittenberg softball team kicked off the 2011 season with a pair of games at the Rebel Spring Games on Saturday, dropping the first 6-0 to Albion but picking up a win in the second, 5-2 over Alverno.

In Game 1, the Tigers were within striking range until the sixth inning. After Albion scored one run in the top of the first, Wittenberg freshman Shelby Ross (Springfield, Ohio/Kenton Ridge) held the Britons scoreless on just three hits through four more innings.

Albion broke through in the sixth, striking for four runs on three hits. They added one more in the seventh to round out the scoring. Senior Jessi Allen (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) was 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Tigers, while junior Brooklyn Cox (Dayton, Ohio/Vandalia Butler) and Ross each finished with one hit. Ross finished the game allowing five earned runs on six hits with five strikeouts.

In Game 2, the Tigers jumped out to an early lead with two runs in the first and three in the second. From there, the team held Alverno to a run in the third and one in the seventh. As a team, Wittenberg smacked 10 hits and held Alerno to five.

Junior Jessica Snyder (Northfield, Ohio/New Trier) went 3-for-4 with two runs scored to lead the Tigers at the plate. Freshman Kaitie Harrison (Springfield, Ohio/Kenton Ridge), junior Fallon White (Fairborn, Ohio/Northmont) and Allen all pushed a run across.

White finished the game 2-for-4, as did senior Tori Amicon (Galloway, Ohio/Hilliard Darby). Cox and Harrison finished 1-for-3, each with a run scored and Cox with a stolen base.

Freshman pitcher Caitlin Gowins (Coshocton, Ohio/River View) made her collegiate debut in the circle in Game 2, picking up the complete game win by allowing just two runs, one earned, on two strikeouts, two walks and five hits.

The Tigers resume Spring Break competition tomorrow, March 6, at 11 a.m. against Misericordia, followed by a 1 p.m. matchup with Walsh.

John Strawn '07