Softball, Li earn first victories as MCLA defeats Trinity before falling to Lawrence

Clermont, FL- The MCLA Softball team defeated Trinity (CT) 11-6 in today's opening game and in the process earned the first win of head coach Erica Li's career.  The Trailblazers lost the night cap to Lawrence 9-0 and are now 1-5 on the season.

Opener vs. Trinity-

MCLA had their best effort to date in the opening game against the Bantams.  They took the lead in the top of the first on Kaylyn Holliday's RBI double to centerfield and when Morgan Watson doubled her home, MCLA led 2-0.  The Bantams would get a run in the bottom half to cut the deficit to 2-1.  

MCLA then got a solo home run off the bat of Alanza Quinones to make it 3-1 and then Holliday blasted a two run shot in the fourth inning as MCLA extended the lead to 5-1.  RBI knocks off the bat of Nevada Nelsen, Julia Parker, Kayla Baker, and Kaitlyn Berghela put the Trailblazers ahead 9-1 in the third inning.

Trinity would score single runs in the third and fifth frames to get within 9-3, but MCLA answered again with a Watson single that brought home Holliday and Samantha Feinstein to go up 11-3.  The Bantams would add three runs in the sixth to stay alive and slice the margin to 11-6, but MCLA starter Watson would bear down and keep the Bantams at bay for the remainder and clinch the win for MCLA.

Holliday finished 3-5 on the afternoon with 3 runs and 3 RBI's.  Berghela, Watson, and Parker each had two safeties.  Watson earned the win going the distance and scattering 12 hits and striking out 4 Bantams to earn her first win of 2018.

Game Two vs. Lawrence-

The Trailblazers offense went dormant in game two as Lawrence cruised to a five inning victory.  Lawrence scored in every inning off both Trailblazer hurlers as they took control from the onset.

They would outhit MCLA 14-5 on the afternoon.

Samantha Feinstein took the loss for MCLA going 3.1 innings and allowing 12 hits and 7 runs (5 earned).  Kara Adams came on in relief and tossed the final 1.2 innings.

Holliday continued her strong Florida showing with a perfect 2-2 showing in the nightcap.