Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Ohio State
Chippewas Drop Two On Opening Day
2/10/2017 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Lindsay Gerber, CMUChippewas.com
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Central Michigan softball opened the season on Friday, falling to Ohio State, 10-0, and to Lamar, 7-5, at the Texas A&M Aggie Classic.
The Chippewas continue their opening weekend at the Aggie Classic on Saturday with a rematch with Lamar (11 a.m.) and with No. 19 Texas A&M (1:15 p.m.).
Senior Rachael Knapp took the loss for the Chippewas against the Buckeyes. She allowed six runs on five hits while walking three and striking out three over 2 2/3 innings.
"Rachael didn't have her best game," CMU Coach Margo Jonker said. "She tends to start the season a little slow sometimes.
"Getting in the game is different than at practices and she hasn't pitched in a game in awhile. It takes a little while to get back into game mode."
Laura Vaccaro went the final 1 1/3 innings in the circle for CMU, allowing four runs on two hits, while walking three and striking out one.
Allison Curits and Rachel Vieira had one hit apiece for Central Michigan.
Vieira blasted a first-inning grand slam to stake the Chippewas to a 4-0 lead against Lamar, but the Cardinals exploded for seven runs in the fourth inning to take the lead for good.
Hanna Warren started for the Chippewas and took the loss. She allowed five runs on two hits, walked three and struck out one. Knapp went the final 3 1/3 innings, surrendering two runs on four hits. She struck out four and walked two.
Lacy Tolfree had two triples and Taylor Lewallen doubled for CMU, which finished with 10 hits, but stranded seven baserunners.
Winning pitcher Laura Napoli struckout five.
The Chippewas close the tournament on Sunday (10 a.m.) against Ohio State.
"One tournament does not define our season." Jonker said. "We have a long season ahead and we need to do one game at a time. I'm disappointed with the outcome today, but I think we learned a lot so that we can turn things around."
