TITUSVILLE, FL - The Bay Norse Softball Team (1-0) played the first ever game in program history on Saturday and were able to secure a 7-2 victory over the Central Lakes Raiders (1-2).
The Norse would get on the board first, taking the lead in the bottom of the second. Jerrika McAlpine (SO, Escanaba, MI) lined a single to left to plate a run. She would later score on an Emily Bruntjens (SO, Escanaba, MI) single up the middle.
After surrendering a run in the top of the fourth, Bay would answer back in the bottom half. A pair of errors and a McAlpine double would plate one run. Aubree Saunders (SO, Escanaba, MI) drove in two more with a two out single, putting the Norse on top by a score of 5-1.
A pair of hits would cut into that lead in the top of the fifth, but Bay would put the game away in the bottom half. Emily LaFave (SO, Escanaba, MI) lined a ball into center to plate one run. With two outs, Eve LaFleche (FR, Hillman, MI) drove in the final insurance run, hitting a grounder through the right side.
Lexi Winling (FR, Gladstone, MI) earned the complete game win, giving up two runs on five hits and five walks, while striking out eight. Claire McInerney (FR, Escanaba, MI) ended the game going three for three with two runs scored. McAlpine would also go three for three, smacking two doubles, scoring three times, and driving in one run. LeFleche and Bruntjens would both collect two hits in the game.
"Lexi [Winling] was strong on the mound all seven innings," said Head Coach Heidi Charon. "We used aggressive base running to make the most of the hits we got. It is pretty special to be a part of Bay's first ever team and especially exciting that we were able to start things off with a win."
The Norse will be in action Sunday afternoon as they continue their spring trip. They will meet Itasca Community College at 2 pm for doubleheader action.