Babson Park, Fla. - The Webber Softball team started off the 2010 campaign with a bang as they defeated Ava Maria University 5-0 and Community College of BaltimoreCounty-Dundalk 15-0.
In the first contest WIU took on Ava Maria University and set the tone for the day by putting up a run in the bottom of the first. Ashley Clark earned a free pass to start the inning after being hit by a pitch and was singled home by Joy Fuller later in the inning. The Lady Warriors added to their lead in the second inning as they put together three singles and Joy Fuller capped off the inning with a bases clearing triple. Fuller led the Lady Warriors offense in the contest going 2 for 3 with a single, double and 4 RBI's. Also producing at the plate was Erin Holland (2-3, 1 run) and Ashley Clark (1-3, 2 runs, 1 RBI). Senior pitcher Kristen LeFan had a stellar performance on the mound for the Lady Warriors. LeFan threw a one hit, 7 inning shutout, while striking out 16 batters en route to her first win of the season.
Webber then took on CCBC in an exhibition game and all members of the Lady Warriors squad saw action as WIU put together a 15-0 victory. Taking the mound for Webber was senior Kristen Stewart who excelled over three innings of work facing 14 batters, giving up only 2 hits and striking out 5. Sophomore Taylor Eagan completed the score shortened game and pitched 2 innings, giving up no hits and striking out one.
Offensively the Lady Warriors put together a remarkable performance which included 14 hits, 3 doubles, 3 homeruns and a total of 15 runs. Junior transfer Shauna Ward made the most of her two at bats in the game by knocking 2 mammoth homeruns, one of which was a grand slam. Ward finished 2 for 2 with 5 RBI's. Also going deep for the Warriors was senior Kym Collins who led off the 2nd with a homerun and ended the day going 2 for 3 with a single, a homerun, 3 RBI's and 3 runs scored. Also excelling at the plate was sophomore transfer Jianna Hernandez, (2 for 2, 1 run, 1 RBI), senior Sam Mendello (2 for 3, a single, a double and one run scored), senior Joy Fuller (1 for 2, double , 1 run scored, 3 RBI's), senior Erin Holland (1 for 1, a double, a walk, 2 runs scored, 1 RBI) and junior transfer Ashley Clark (1 for 2, 1 run, 2 RBI's). Defensively, the Lady Warriors played error free ball in both contests.
The Warriors will look to build on their winning ways as they travel to DII St. Leo University on Monday night. Game times are 5 and 7.