Salem Softball traveled to open their season at CIU, falling 10-2 and 10-1 in a double header afternoon.
GAME ONE:
CIU got off to a strong start in the field, holding Salem to zero hits in the first two innings. The Spirits had some solid defensive moments themselves, with Carlee Tart snagging three fly balls early on. Riley Dennis ended inning one on a high note, forcing a strike out looking for their third out. Karma Morrison had one of her multiple strong showings at the plate early in the third inning, finding a hole in the left side to make it to first base.
At the start of the fourth inning, freshman Madison Talley made her collegiate debut, relieving Dennis. Talley earned her first strikeout soon after, and the team stranded two runners on base.
A bright spot for the Spirits came in inning five. Reese Upton reached first on a fielding error, setting up an RBI opportunity for Morrison. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Morrison hit a two-run bomb to center field, securing two points for Salem and the season's first home run.
Despite a strong fifth inning, CIU had created too large of a deficit, ending the contest after the sixth.
GAME TWO:
Looking to bounce back after game one, the Spirits made a few lineup changes, including slotting in freshmen Chloe Bailey-Bonomo and Camryn Clarke. After another strong start from CIU, Salem had a strong showing in inning two. Only four batters saw the plate, with outs coming at left field, 2nd base, and an Amy McLamb to Upton connection to catch CIU stealing.
McLamb made another solid play in the third inning, but this time at bat. After Emma Greeson hit a double down the right field line, McLamb hit a grounder to first to open the door for Greeson to make it home. The bottom of the third brought Salem's first double play of the season, resulting in a three up three down inning.
Both Tart and Morrison were able to get on base and in scoring position in the fourth, but the Spirits were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. CIU, however, found a strong surge of offense in the bottom of the inning, finishing the contest after five.
STAT LEADERS:
Karma Morrison: 2 H, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 8 PO
Emma Greeson: 1 2B
Madison Talley: 2 SO
The Spirits will next be in action in their Home Opener on February 16th at 1pm and 3pm.
