BABSON PARK, Fla. (February 6, 2021) – The highly anticipated 2021 opening day for the No. 25 Webber International University softball team has come and gone, and it was a great start for the Warriors as they swept Columbia International University 8-0 in five innings then 6-2 on Saturday at Nancy Nichols Field.

Webber (2-0), which was picked No. 25 in the 2021 NAIA Softball Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll and was also selected second in The Sun Conference's Preseason Coaches' Poll, opened its season with what was its ninth straight win in a season opener. It was also the team's third sweep to start the season in three years under the direction of Head Coach Kristy Burton.

In game one, freshman pitcher Kayla Swinson (1-0) had the debut of a lifetime, pitching a perfect game through the first four innings before surrendering a leadoff walk in the top of the fifth to finish with a five-inning no hitter to her credit.

Offensively for Webber, five Warriors finished with two hits, and three of those Warriors also scored twice. Alyssa Rodriguez was 2-for-2 with an RBI and two runs scored, Mary-Margaret Maggard was 2-for-3 with three RBI's, and Victoria Atkinson was 2-for-3 with two RBI's.

In game two, fellow freshman pitcher Jenna Chaudoin (1-0) pitched a shutout through her 5.1 innings to start the ballgame, giving up only four hits and two walks.

Chaudoin was also 1-for-2 from the plate with two RBI's and a run scored.

The Warriors finished with five combined doubles on the day, including one in each game by Atkinson, and had nine stolen bases on the day, three of which were by Kaitlin Cockcroft.

Coach Burton spoke after the sweep, saying, "What a great day for Webber softball. We were beyond thankful to be able to start our 2021 season off with a moment of silence for Michelle Windisman to honor her memory and presence at Nancy Nichols Field. Our girls came out with a lot of energy and passion in this season opener. We hit really well as a team and were able to keep a high temp on the bath paths. We were so proud to have Kayla [Swinson] open up her freshman career with a no-hitter and almost a perfect game, and we were excited to see Jenna [Chaudoin] dominate on the mound during the second game. Our girls were eager to take the field and played with confidence throughout the day. We were thankful for the support and to be back on our home turf, and are looking to more success this Tuesday as we take on Florida National at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m."

Next up for Webber will be the second of six straight home doubleheaders to open up its 2021 season as the Warriors host Florida National University at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9.