FORT MEYERS, Fla. – The Albion College softball team earned two non-conference wins on Monday, March 2 at the CenturyLink Sports Complex. The Britons (3-1, 0-0) blanked the Clark University Cougars in the morning and throttled the Finlandia University Lions later in the day, 5-0 and 19-2, respectively. For the Purple and Gold, their 3-1 record through the first four games is their best start since the 2011 campaign.
Against Clark University, freshman Lilly Patillo went 2-for-3 driving in three runners. Junior Estacia Martinez had a productive morning as well going 2-for-3 while earning a run and batting in a runner. Senior Savannah Spring's efforts helped her register two runs while batting 1-for-2.
Freshman pitcher Ashley Pion notched her first career victory in dominant fashion pitching all seven innings. The Edwardsburg product recorded nine strikeouts, only letting up two hits.
In the second game of the day, freshman Olivia Palasek frustrated Finlandia batting 3-for-6 with three runs and a pair of runners batted in. Junior Grace Connolly was efficient from the batter's box going 3-for-5 with one run and one runner batted in. Freshman Shanyn Jewell capped off the second game of the day going 2-for-4 and three runs.
Freshman pitcher Elizabeth Powell captured her first career win letting up just four hits in three innings.
Albion College softball action will pick up on Tuesday, Mar. 3 for a doubleheader against the Grove City College Wolverines and a rematch versus the Clark University Cougars. The games will take place at North Collier Regional Park in Naples, Florida at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively.
For the latest information on the team, follow @Albion_Softball on Twitter and Instagram. General athletics news can also be found @gobrits on Twitter, AlbionAthletics on Instagram and Albion College Athletics on Facebook.
Joe and Julie Serra have given a $5 million leadership gift to launch a fundraising initiative to make two dreams a reality at Albion College. The first is a newly expanded fitness and student activity facility at the site of the current Dow Recreation and Wellness Center. The second is a new or renovated competition facility for the volleyball, men's basketball and women's basketball teams that currently call Kresge Gymnasium home.
The College is continuing to raise funds in support of both projects. To learn more, call 517/629-0446 or email advancement@albion.edu