MYRTLE BEACH, SC- The Highlanders hit the road to open up the 2019 season, traveling south to compete in the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic.
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The Highlanders shook the rust off Monday afternoon, falling to both Ohio Christian University and Cincinnati Christian School. With a couple games under their belt, the Highlanders bats warmed up in game 3 against Penn College.
Haley Tinney and
Meagan Maratita started the rally with back-to-back singles,
Olivia Nieto reached on an error, and
Krista Earl struck the decisive blow with a 2 RBI single to right field. Tied 3-3, the Highlanders kept the pressure up in the fourth, notching two more runs on a
Hailey Wruck single to centerfield. Freshman
Tori Knox doubled home Jess Rolo and
Olivia Nieto to stretch the lead to 3 runs, and
Krista Earl shut the door for the Highlanders first win of the season.
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The Highlanders lost a couple heartbreakers, dropping a game 3-4 to Franciscan University and 4-6 to Spalding University. Katelyn Reiss went a perfect 4-4 to lead the Highlanders offense against Franciscan, while Tinney and Maratita each notched two hits against Spalding. After a loss against the high-powered offense of La Roche College, the Highlanders regrouped before traveling to Yeshiva University for a final doubleheader over the weekend.
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Cairn broke out of their brief slump with two commanding wins over Yeshiva.
Krista Earl pitched a gem in game 1, allowing only one hit and notching an impressive 9 strikeouts to build on her excellent freshman campaign.
Tori Knox and
Olivia Nieto each carded two hits, while
Reaven East and
Jessica Rolo knocked key base hits to put the Highlanders ahead early on. With East on the mound in game 2, the Highlanders bats exploded, as they finished with 15 hits and 15 runs to complete the sweep with ease.
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Four Highlanders are hitting over .300 after the season-opening trip, as
Hailey Wruck and
Katelynn Reiss are both hitting .333,
Olivia Nieto finished with an incredible .400 mark, and
Haley Tinney dominated the competition by hitting .480 atop the Highlanders lineup.
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The Highlanders will host Alfred State College Friday afternoon, before opening up CSAC play against Notre Dame (MD) Saturday at 1:00 PM.
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