GREENWOOD, S.C. – The Erskine College softball team (1-1) split a doubleheader to begin its 2023 season at the Brianna Surriento Kickoff Classic at Doug Spears Field on Friday. The Fleet cruised past Claflin University (2-2) in their first game, 9-0, before falling to the hosts, Lander University (4-3) by that same score in the nightcap.
 
THE ESSENTIALS 
Conf. Carolinas Standings | Stats | Scores
Div. II Scores | Record Book | CC Digital Network
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Game 1: Erskine 9-0 Claflin
In Erskine's 2023 season opener, the Fleet offense wasted no time getting on the board, as Kyndall Chandler hit a one-out single and was driven in a few moments later on a Brooke Patterson RBI double to give the Fleet a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. Patterson doubled the lead in the third inning with another run-scoring hit, and then Maddie Ingram hit Erskine's first home run of the season, a solo shot in the fourth to make it 3-0. And that appeared to more than enough for starter, Kaley Ingle, who was phenomenal all afternoon. Ingle set down the first ten batters of the game, and allowed just one hit, going the distance in a complete game shutout victory in her season debut. Kenzie Eagleman gave the Fleet a 4-0 lead on an RBI bunt single in the sixth and Erskine broke the game wide open with a five-spot in the seventh inning. Mary Elizabeth Ballard started the frame with a one-out single, stole second and scored on Amber Clark base hit. Hailey Watson followed with an RBI double before she came around to score on a Tori Cooley two-run home run. Freshman Emily Johnson capped the huge inning with an RBI double of her own, as the Fleet pulled away late for a 9-0 win in their season opener.

Game 2: Lander 9-0 Erskine (Final / 5 innings)
In the nightcap, the hosts, Lander University, proved a much taller task for the Fleet. The Bearcats scored six runs in the second inning and never looked back, as the game was called due to the run rule after five innings with a final score of 9-0.

THE PLAYER
Sophomore pitcher Kaley Ingle was outstanding in Game 1 of the doubleheader, as she tossed a complete-game shutout allowing just one hit and striking out six in the Fleet's 9-0 win over Claflin.
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
Erskine will wrap up the Brianna Surriento Kickoff Classic tomorrow with another doubleheader. The Fleet will take on Limestone University (4-4) at 10 a.m. before a rematch against Claflin at 12:30 p.m.

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