March 9

DC Defeats Manhattanville, Falls to No. 15 Ramapo

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The Defiance College softball team got its season off to a strong start at the Rebel Spring Games in Kissimmee, Fla. on Sunday, March 9. The Jackets went 1-1 on the day, crushing Manhattanville College, 9-1, before falling to nationally ranked Ramapo, 8-5.

In the opener against Manhattanville, the Jackets used a great pitching performance by Justine Johnston and a solid offensive showing to defeat the three-time defending Skyline Conference champions. Johnston went the distance for DC to pick up the victory, limiting the Valiants to one run on three hits and striking four.

The HCAC’s highest scoring offense a year ago, Defiance proved they haven’t lost a beat after scoring nine runs in the opener. Tasha Stucke went 2-for-3 on the game, driving in two runs and swiping two bases. Amanda Auzins and Stephanie Lieto each had two hits as well for DC as Auzins went 2-for-4 with two runs and stolen base, while Lieto finished 2-for-4 with two RBI’s and a run.

Mallory Faling
Catcher Malory Faling had a solid game behind the plate as she caught two runners stealing, while also picking up a hit and scoring two runs for the Jackets.

In the second game of the day, DC met up with No. 16 Ramapo College of Mahwah, N.J. After jumping out to an early 5-0 advantage, the Jackets were unable to hold off the Roadrunner attack. Robin Diers and Kelly Schnipke each saw time on the mound for Defiance as each pitcher gave up five hits in three innings of work. Marah Robinson led DC’s offensive attack with two hits and two runs, while Faling had a double and plated two runners in the game.

Defiance (1-1) returns to action on Monday, March 10 at the Rebel Spring Games, when it plays Marian College at 9:00 a.m. and Hiram College at 11:00 a.m.