BOCA RATON, Fla. (February 4, 2022) - The Webber International University softball team opened its 2022 season on Friday afternoon as they traveled to Boca Raton, Florida to face Division-II opposition in the form of Lynn University. The Warriors split the two game series after winning the first game 1-0 and falling just short in game number two, 4-3.

There was only five total hits between the two teams in game one, three of which came from Lynn (1-1 overall). The Warriors (1-1) had just two hits in the game, but were able to get the lone run that made the difference.

Sophomore Kayla Swinson was on the mound for Webber, pitching a complete game shutout and striking out five in her seven innings of work.

The Warriors earned their first hit in the top of the fifth after a single from Brandy Barquin. Miranda Muriel would pinch run for Barquin and advance to second after a sacrifice bunt from Abby Thompson. But Muriel would be caught stealing to end the inning. With one out in the top of the sixth, Genesis Aviles would draw a walk and subsequently steal second. A sacrifice bunt from Kelsea Friend would score Avilesand earn the Warriors the lead. The only other hit from Webber would be a lead-off double from Maddie Houtz in the top of the seventh.

Game number two would see Morgan Mills take the mound for the Warriors. Mills would keep Lynn quiet through the first four innings. Witney Bones would lead-off the top of the fourth inning with a single and then advance to second on a wild pitch. Barquin would follow it up with a single of her own, making it runners at the corners with no outs. An error from the catcher would allow Bones to score the first run of the game. After a stolen base from Barquin, she would then advanced to third. A sacrifice fly to center field from Mills would score Barquin and give the Warriors a 2-0 lead.

"I think this was a great season opener to kick off our new season," Head Coach Kristy Burton spoke after the games. "The team came out ready to go today and our pitching staff was lights out keeping a great offensive team in Lynn off balance throughout the day. Kayla (Swinson) and Morgan (Mills) did everything they needed to do to keep us in both games. I was proud of the fight we had in the first game staying locked in from start to finish. Genesis (Aviles) being able to steal home in the sixth inning of game one gave us the edge we needed to close it out."

A solo home run from Houtz in the top of the fifth inning would increase the Webber-lead to three with two innings to go. However, Lynn would respond with three runs in the bottom of the fifth to level the game at 3-3. The Fighting Knights would score an unearned run in the bottom of the sixth to take the lead. The Warriors would try to retake the lead but would leave the bases loaded in the top of the seventh.

Barquin led the team offensively, going 2-3 with a run scored while Bones went 2-4 with a run scored. Houtz finished 1-4 with an RBI and a run scored on her solo home run.

"In game two, our offense came alive but we fell short with one bad inning," continued Burton. "This team is truly something special. We are excited to see this team respond this upcoming week as we take on a very competitive Mount Mercy team in our home-opener. We hope to see all the fans soon, go Warriors."

Next up, the Warriors will host Mount Mercy on Wednesday, February 9th, in a doubleheader at 1 and 3 p.m. They will then face No. 15 nationally-ranked Freed-Hardeman University the very next day on Thursday, February 10th at 1 and 3 p.m.