Softball opens season in Charleston, South Carolina
The CMU softball team huddles during their game against the University of Buffalo on April 7 at Margo Jonker Stadium.
While Central Michigan University was covered in ice, the softball team traveled to South Carolina for the College of Charleston Cougar Classic to open their 2019 season.
The Chippewas scored their first win but dropped four games, making them 1-4 following the first weekend.
On Feb. 8, CMU fell 6-2 to Wichita State. Senior first baseman Erika Underwood was a perfect 2-2 with two singles and added a walk for a perfect on-base percentage against the Shockers.
Sophomore Cloe Mallory (0-1) came on in relief of Samantha Howell and gave up three runs on three hits over 4.2 innings of work in a losing effort.
CMU's second game of the day was a 6-0 defeat against Virginia Tech. The Chippewas mustered a pair of hits against the Hokies. Kaitlyn Bean was given the loss and allowed eight hits and five runs in 3.2 innings.
Senior second baseman Rachael Vieira pushed across centerfielder Allison Curtis for CMU's first run against Purdue in their first of two games on Feb. 9. The Chippewas dropped their third straight game of the weekend, 11-3.
The Boilermakers chased starting pitcher Shannon Stein without recording a single out. She gave up six runs on two hits and issued four walks.
CMU scored their first victory of the season against Pittsburgh in their second game of the day. Sophomore Shaidan Knapp scored two of the Chippewas' 11 runs. Bean registered her first win of the season giving up five runs on six hits. Howell came on in relief and picked up her first save of the season.
In its final game of the weekend, CMU fell to the host College of Charleston, 3-1. The Cougars jumped out to a 3-0 lead heading to the final inning. Vieira doubled to center field then scored on a sacrifice fly from senior Kaila Fulker which scored the teams only run.
The Chippewas head to Tempe, Ariz. for the Littlewood Classic Feb.15-17, with their first matchup against Utah State.
