Clermont, Fla.- Looking to get the 2018 season started on a high note, the Concordia University Chicago Softball team took to the field today with a lot of promise. In game one, CUC was able to get people on base but not able to bring enough home, falling by a final score of 5-1 to Penn State Behrend. In game two, CUC followed the stellar pitching performance of Marita Van Dyke to take down Wartburg by a final score of 8-1.

In game one, CUC brought the score even in the top of the third. Shania Phillips led off with a single down the left field line. One out later, on a sac bunt attempt, Phillips raced into third and then scored on an errant throw. The Cougars were unable to plate any more runs in the contest despite having eight hits in the contest. Penn State Behrend was able to score four unanswered runs following the Cougars tying run to pull away by a final score of 5-1

Julianne Nation got the start inside the circle for CUC, allowing five runs on seven hits while striking out two. Phillips paced the Cougar offense going 3-4 on the day.

In game two, CUC came out swinging right away. Phillips led off with a walk to get things started. Two outs later, Van Dyke roped a double off the left center field wall scoring Phillips. The Cougars plated another in the fourth when Sydney Sterrett tripled down the left field line, and was brought in on a sac fly by Phillips.
 
Wartburg got a run back in the top of the fifth, and the Cougars responded by plating five in the bottom half. CUC had just one hit during the rally, but used great base running to take advantage of the Wartburg miscues. CUC brought 11 players to the plate in the inning.

The 8-1 lead was plenty for junior Van Dyke inside the circle. She threw a complete game, allowing just five hits and one unearned run while striking out a career high 11. Freshman Sterrett led the CUC offense going 2-3 on the night, scoring twice. 
 
The Cougars (1-1) will take to the field again tomorrow for two games. The first coming at 9:00am (EST) from Clermont, Fla.