FULTON, Mo. - Westminster softball earned its first win of the season over cross-town rival William Woods.
Westminster won the first game 7-1, and after holding a big lead for most of the second game, ended up losing 14-7.
The Blue Jays open the season 1-5, with the win being the first time the Blue Jays have defeated William Woods in softball.
"We haven't played a game in a month and came out and win tonight," said Westminster Head Coach Joe Henderson. "If we hadn't made errors, we had a good chance in the second game too. We played good softball today."
Alyson Hahn started on the mound for Westminster in game one, pitching a complete game with no earned runs, giving up just five hits.
"To win today was huge for her because we have all these freshman who need to know how we set the tone for the season," said Henderson.
Westminster struck first in the bottom of the first inning, with Callie Collier scoring on an error by the Owls.
Collier recorded an RBI and another run in the second. She hit an RBI double to score Brooke Laidley, and Erica Burney drove in Collier on a double up the third base line to give Westminster the 3-0 advantage.
The Owls loaded the bases in the fourth to give Josie Cotter an RBI walk. Mackenzie Myers then singled up the middle to score Collier yet again. It wasn't until the fifth inning that the Owls scored on an error by the Blue Jays.
Westminster added two more insurance runs in the sixth and seventh on RBI singles from Collier and Anne Baker.
"We hit really well up and down the lineup, so everyone stands out to me," said Henderson.
Collier lead the team in the first game with two hits, two RBI, and three runs.
Westminster took an early lead in the second game, thanks to two big innings in the second and third. Brittany Hodge and Collier hit RBI singles in the second to score Emily Lucitt and Baker.
A five-run third inning put Westminster ahead 7-2 going into the fourth. Hodge earned an RBI by walking in a run, while Collier hit another single to score the second of the inning. Myers came in and smashed a double to center field to clear the bases for the Blue Jays.
The Owls returned with a six-run fifth inning to take away the Blue Jay lead. After 4.2 innings, Katie Price came off the mound to make way for Kayla Pilgim.
Another five runs for William Woods in the top of the seventh sealed the win, with the Blue Jays falling 14-7.
"It was good to show up tonight for our fans," said Henderson.
The Blue Jays stay at home to face Wisconsin-Platteville Sunday at 12 and 2.
