The women's softball team split its season home opener Sunday in a non-conference doubleheader with the Drew University Rangers.
The first game, a Lions victory with a score of 7-4, was highlighted by an over the fence homerun in the second inning by freshman centerfielder Kristen Boyer. However, in game two, the Lions were defeated by the Rangers, 5-3.
Sunday was the season home opener for the Lions. In their first opportunity to compete at home the team played at Armstrong Field on Green Lane. The Lions are using the field temporarily, while waiting for the construction of their new field.
"It's always nice to play at home," head coach Sally Miller said. "However, I don't really feel like we're playing at home on this field."
Nevertheless, the Lions converted for seven runs with nine hits in game one.
"I could tell everyone was pumped up from the time we got into the locker room. We were all excited to finally be here at home," Cusmano said.
The momentum was sparked early by a double from junior outfielder Kristen Zimmerman to score both Boyer and junior infielder Cristina Venetucci.
In the bottom of the second inning, Boyer knocked her second homer of the season to bring in sophomore infielder Kristin Meister.
"Batting is all about having a clear head, getting up there, being relaxed and swinging like you know how," Boyer said.
Miller said Boyer's homerun was a "catchy" play, and it turned up the energy level of the team.
"Kristen is doing a really nice job for us, leading off with the power she has," Miller said. "There are a lot of parts to her offensive game."
In game two, the Rangers capitalized on errors and strikeouts. Rangers sophomore infielder Brittany Westcott converted with a double, scoring three runs.
"There were two major errors in that game. We need to have a little bit more game savvy," Miller said. "We were swinging at low pitches and the outfield didn't even get one ball hit to them."
However, in the bottom of the fifth inning, the Lions rallied to cut the lead to 5-3. "We made some adjustments and that was what made the inning. We just have to do it a little sooner," Miller said.
Three pitchers had an appearance in the lineup on Sunday. In game one, freshman pitcher Jessica Kohut earned her third win of the year to improve to 3-1 as she threw for three innings, allowing only three runs.
Kohut was relieved in the fourth inning by junior pitcher Jessica Donohue. Donohue was relieved early in game two by freshman pitcher Heather
