WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – Albion College took advantage of its first inning scoring chances and first-year pitcher Ashley Butler worked out of jams as the Britons edged Marietta College, 3-2, in spring break softball action.
Albion's first four batters reached base safely and Elena Luce and Julia Anderson were hit by pitches and Monica Brugnoni delivered a single to load the bases. Megan LaCavera singled to drive in Luce and Anderson, and Alice Garvin singled to score Brugnoni.
Albion never advanced a runner past second base the rest of the way. Delaney Probst led off the second with an infield single, but she never advanced past first as Pioneer pitcher Kristina LaRocca retired the next three Briton batters in order.
LaRocca retired nine in a row until Olivia Imbier walked to start the fifth inning. Imbier moved to second on a sacrifice, but the next two Briton batters popped up to third base.
Garvin picked up her second single of the game in the sixth.
Butler was touched up for runs in the third and fourth, but she never let the Pioneers erupt for a big inning. She allowed 11 hits in earning her first victory at the collegiate level.
Albion is scheduled to make its northern debut Wednesday with a doubleheader at Spring Arbor University.