Clermont, FL – The Wittenberg softball team started their 2020 campaign with a sweep of day one from the Sunshine State, taking down Defiance College 3-2 in game one, before moving on to overtake the Presidents from Washington & Jefferson 12-6 in game two. The Tigers tallied 23 hits on the day, collecting seven knocks in game one with 16 hits coming in game two. Wittenberg was led by Megan Niswonger on the afternoon, recording four hits in seven at-bats, driving in two Tiger runs on the afternoon.
Defiance College Game Breakdown
Wittenberg battled back after Defiance took the early 1-0 lead after the first inning. The Tigers knotted things up in the bottom half of the fourth inning, as Elaina Adams put a dangerous ball in play, forcing a Defiance error, and bringing home Niswonger. A Defiance homer in the top of the fifth inning tied the game back at 2-2. Niswonger drove in her first run of the day with a sharply hit ball to the left side, pushing Clara Andersen to third and scoring Briana Gibson to put the Tigers back ahead at 3-2. Katelyn Niswonger picked up her first win of the season, putting in seven innings of work, allowing four hits with three strikeouts.
Wash. & Jeff. Game Breakdown
The Tiger offense came alive in game two, collecting 14 hits while aggressive baserunning forced five W&J errors. Five Tigers tallied multiple hits against the Presidents, led by Vitoria Toetz, going 4-for-4 including two doubles and a triple, two runs scored and three runs knocked in for the Red and White. Elise Freeland, Elaina Adams, and Andersen each tallied a triple with at least one or more runs scored. Cassidy Osborne took to the circle to start game two for the Tigers, putting in two and third innings of work, allowing four hits with two strikeouts to her credit. Mary Britton shut down game two, with four hits allowed and three punchouts in four-plus innings of work.
From The Bench
"It was great to get two wins on opening day. I knew coming into this year offense was going to be a strong suit of ours and without a doubt it showed. 23 hits on the day is something this team needs to be proud of and keep compounding with our aggressive baserunning," said Head Coach Shannon Schaub.