Softball Opens 2023 With Pair of Wins at NAIA Leadoff Tournament

Softball Opens 2023 With Pair of Wins at NAIA Leadoff Tournament
February 3, 2023

(Rosemone, IL)-- The Cleary Cougar softball team started their 2023 campaign strong, as they won both games played on Friday at the NAIA Leadoff Tournament, hosted by Roosevelt University.

In Game 1 vs. Roosevelt:  Roosevelt got things started in the first inning when the Lakers drove in two runs on a  single.  Cleary would tie, and pull away for good with a four run explosion in the third inning. In the third, Ginelle Leslie singled on a 2-1 count, scoring one run, and Mckenzie Latshaw followed that up with a double on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring two runs. Kate Currie's sac fly scored one run for the Cougars.

Sonya Terleckyj took the win for Cleary. She surrendered three runs on ten hits over seven innings, striking out four, while walking one.  Haley Whittecar went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Cougar bats.

In Game 2 vs. Trinity International:  Caitlynn Duffey shut down Trinity International University, throwing a complete game shutout and leading Cleary University Cougars Varsity to a 5-0 victory on Friday.  Cleary opened up scoring in the first inning, when Grace Pasterik singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run.  Duffey led the Cougars to victory on the rubber. The righthander allowed five hits and zero runs over seven innings, striking out eight and walking zero.

Izzy Easton went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Cleary in hits. 
 
Cleary improves to 2-0 on the season, and will be back in action on Saturday, February 4, with a pair of games against top competition.  Game 1 will take place against (RV) Olivet Nazarene at 2:30 PM/1:30 CT, and game 2 will be against #25 Saint Xavier at 4:45 PM/3:45 CT.