MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Despite two losses to Rhodes and Maryville (Tenn.), Westminster softball was much-improved in offensive production in their second day in Memphis, highlighted by a grand slam from Josie Cotter in the second game of the day.
"Today was a good day," said Westminster Head Coach Joe Henderson. "The offense came alive and despite digging a few holes, we were able to mount comebacks with solid hitting."
Westminster falls to 0-4 to start the 2017 season.
In the first game against Maryville, the Blue Jays struggled to score in the 9-1 loss.
Kayla Pilgrim pitched the first two innings for Westminster, facing 19 batters and giving up nine runs. Mackenzie Myers stepped in for the final three innings, allowing just three hits and giving up no runs.
The Blue Jays were able to score in the bottom of the first on an RBI single from Josie Cotter, scoring Amber Tepen.
In the second game, Westminster played Rhodes to a close game, but eventually fell 11-9.
The Blue Jays put up three runs in the top of the first, two unearned. Bailey Johnson got the offense started with a leadoff single, setting the stage for Emily Lucitt and Angela Vanderpluym to get on base and score unearned runs.
Rhodes kept with the the Blue Jays by adding two runs in the bottom of the inning. After shutting Westminster out in the second, they took the lead in the second inning by adding two more runs to make the score 4-2, and then again added five runs in a big third inning, leading Westminster 9-2.
The Blue Jays' biggest inning was the fifth, scoring six runs.
Callie Collier and Tepen walked back-to-back to start things off for Westminster, and Erica Burney was hit by a pitch to load the bases with no outs.
Cotter then stepped up to the plate and drove a shot to center field and over the wall for a grand slam and four RBI.
Aubrie Vaughn then stepped up to the plate and smashed another ball over the fence for a solo homerun, her first of the year.
Katie Price kept the inning going by later driving in Brooke Laidley, pinch running for Kim Morrison after reaching on an error.
Lexi Knisley took the loss for Westminster, pitching 2.1 innings and giving up nine runs.
Johnson hit .500 for the weekend followed by Vaughn who hit .429.
"Overall, the weekend saw us get better each game with many different lineups," said Henderson. "We gave the freshman plenty of time to get over any nerves. Overall, I was extremely pleased, especially in the hight in the last game of the day."
Westminster takes the rest of the month off. They open at home March 2 against William Woods.
