Three-Run Third Inning Lifts Softball Past College of Wooster, 3-1

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Elms College softball team used a three-run third inning to help secure a 3-1 victory over the College of Wooster in Wednesday morning's Gene Cusic Classic softball contest in Fort Myers, Fla.

With the win, Elms improves to 2-5 overall. Elms is back in action against Ohio Wesleyan University at 11:00 a.m.

After two scoreless innings, Elms broke the deadlock when senior pitcher Beth Grimes (Terryville, Conn.) singled through the left side and was then pinch-run for by sophomore Samantha Alvino (Holtsville, N.Y.). Alvino advanced to third on a base hit by senior third baseman Hayley Zisk (Baldwinville, Mass.). Following a walk to sophomore designated player Kierstan Skinner (South Windsor, Conn.), Alvino was then caught trying to steal home to give Wooster two outs in the frame.

A free pass issued to junior shortstop Gina DiGiovanni (Springfield, Mass.) loaded the bases again before Zisk scored when senior second baseman Abby Capone (Fitchburg, Mass.) reached on an infield error. A double to right center field off the bat of junior catcher Gianna Gonyea (East Longmeadow, Mass.) allowed two more runs to come home giving the Blazers a 3-0 lead.

Wooster answered with a run in the bottom of the frame when Skye Patterson (Wooster, Ohio) belted a run-scoring triple to set the score at 3-1.

Grimes, who was terrific in the circle, kept the Fighting Scots off the board for the rest of the game. Wooster put runners on third twice in the later frames but could not move up the final 60 feet as the Blazers held on for 3-1 victory.

Grimes finished with five strikeouts in 7.0 innings of work. She allowed just one run on six hits and walked one batter.

Jenna Hunkins (Zanesville, Ohio) allowed three runs (zero earned) in 2.2 frames and, scattered two hits, issued one strikeout and two walks.