DUBUQUE, Iowa - For the first time this season the University of Dubuque softball team welcomed in the Cornell College Rams to the UD Softball Field for their home opener. The Spartans protected their home field as they scored nine runs on 10 hits to defeat the Rams 9-1 in five innings.

Offensively, the Spartans wasted no time as they put up three runs in the first inning on four hits. Back-to-back hits from Kaitlyn Powell and Katie Hayes, set up Grace Stevenson with a run scoring opportunity as she ripped a bases clearing double into right center. Megan Leick drove in the third run of the game as she lined a single into left field scoring Stevenson on an error by the left fielder.

Cornell cracked through the scoreboard with a run in the second on two hits as the Spartans maintained a 3-1 lead. In the bottom half of the inning, the Spartans added another run. In her first at bat, Sarah Moir hit a triple to right field and later scored on an RBI groundout from Bella Allison. The Spartans tacked on another run in the third inning due to an error by the Rams.

Cornell loaded the bases in the top of fourth with two outs but the Spartans starting pitcher Jaelyn Blakemore got out of the inning still leading by a score of 5-1. Entering the bottom of the fifth inning, the Spartans bats continued to be on a tear as they platted four runs on four hits to secure the victory 9-1 by default in five innings of play. Catcher, Tricia Sporaa hit a deep fly ball to left field driving in a run on an RBI double. The Spartans added two more runs on another Cornell error before Powell drove in the game ending run on an RBI single. 

Eight different Spartans accounted for 10 hits as Powell and Anna Luczak led the way with two hits each. On the mound, Blakemore tossed four innings only allowing one run to earn her first win of the season while striking out three batters. Ally Gullette pitched the last inning and recorded a strikeout and two groundouts. 

Up Next
The Spartans are 6-7 overall and will start conference play this weekend at the UD Softball Field. On Saturday, March 30 the Spartans will host the Coe College Kohawks in a doubleheader starting at 1:00 p.m.