Softball drops season-opening doubleheader to Millikin

Hillsboro, Mo. - Fontbonne University softball's season opener was slated for a home game at ABC Ball Park Saturday. The Griffins were forced to move their game against Millikin University to Jefferson College due to new sod not being ready yet.

Both teams committed multiple errors as first-game jitters took over for the young teams. Maddy Strickland took to the circle for the first start of the season. The sophomore pitched all seven innings and struck out three batters while allowing eight hits.

Maddie Cooksey doubled and Emelia Modglin tripled in the loss. Modglin and junior Courtney Kedroski both went two-for-four at the plate. Modglin and Kruse earned one RBI apiece.

In the second game, Diamong Thomas got the start after playing first base in the first game. The sophomore walked four in four innings of work, but recorded five assists with no strikeouts.

With Thomas in the circle, Sarah Kitchen started at first base. The Cape Girardeau native went two-for-three at the plate, the only Griffin to earn more than one hit in the game.

Freshman Brianna Durant came in relief for Thomas in the fifth inning. She walked the first batter she faced to load the bases but her defense stepped up. Kitchen tossed the ball to Modglin at home for the force out. The next batter lined out and Durant helped herself as she threw home for the final out.

The Griffins have a busy weekend ahead. They host Loras College in a doubleheader Saturday and then Sunday they play Loras agin foloowed by Buena Vista. On the other field at ABC Ball Park on Sunday, Loras and Buena Vista will split games against Eureka College.