Ohio Valley Box Score | La Roche Box Score

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – For the first time since 2003, the Clarion University softball team is 2-0 after winning one blowout and one nail bitter on the first day of the 2011 season at the National Collegiate Sports Invitational in North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

 

First-year interim head coach Shintrika Hudson's Golden Eagles started the season strong beating Ohio Valley 11-0 in five innings using a seven-run fifth to invoke the eight-run Mercy Rule.  Clarion then showed it could win a more traditional game later in the day topping La Roche 1-0.

 

In the opener, Megan Daley threw a five-inning one-hitter striking out three and walking three. She got plenty of offensive support, as Clarion banged out 13 hits and scored twice in the second, twice in the third and seven times in the fifth.

 

Nicole Lollo led the offense going 3-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and three runs scored. Carlie Cook (1-for-3) and Rebecca Lynch (1-for-4 with a double) each added two RBIs with Elizabeth Shiring (2-for-4) and Kaylynn Barco (2-for-3) each getting a pair of hits to go with a run scored. Nicole Linder and Kacie Nemeth both chipped in with 1-for-3 performances with two runs scored each.

 

Then in the nightcap, Clarion got the game's only run in the bottom of the first when Lynch led off with a triple and scored when the next batter, Shiring, grounded out to shortstop.

 

Erica Burkey made that run stand up thanks in part to some terrific defensive work by the Golden Eagles. Burkey pitched a complete game allowing six hits and four walks while striking out three. Clarion turned a double play behind her, Barco, the catcher, threw out three would-be base stealers and Cook came up with a monster defensive play to maintain the lead in the sixth inning.

 

Cook's play came with runners on first and second in the sixth and one out when Amanda Varhula singled to center. Kim McLay tried to score from second on the single but was thrown out by Cook preserving the Golden Eagle lead. Burkey then got Deanna Tritlinger to ground out and set down the Red Hawks 1-2-3 in the seventh.

 

Lynch added a double to go with her triple, while Lollo, Katie Baun and Kirsten Wilcox also had hits for Clarion.

 

The Golden Eagles return to action with a pair of games Tuesday in North Myrtle Beach. Clarion takes on Oakland City College at 11:30 a.m. and Gwynedd-Mercy at 1:30 p.m.