WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Lafayette softball team opened its 2019 season on Sunday in a doubleheader against George Washington. The Leopards couldn't get the offense going in a pitchers' duel in the opener, losing 2-0, and dropped the nightcap 7-4.
 
In game one, Lafayette ran into a great pitching performance by the Colonials' Sierra Lange (5-1) who held the offense to just one hit, a two-out triple by Brooke Wensel in the first inning. 

Kinzi Van Wyk was solid in her collegiate debut, giving up only two runs in six innings of work while striking out one batter.
 
In game two, the Leopards started off hot, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. Natasha Miner started off the action by singling to right field and stealing second base to get into scoring position. Brooke Wensel doubled to right field to put runners on second and third Freshman Erin Scott came through with a two-run double into left center field, scoring Miner and Wensel for the Leopards' first runs of the young season.

George Washington knotted the game with a pair of runs in the third inning on a Jessica Linquist single.  The Colonials' big inning came in the fifth, when they put up five runs on eight hits. Linquist belted a two-run homer to get things going and give GW a 7-2 lead.  

Lafayette tacked on two more runs in the sixth inning. Maddie Wensel and Malori Pojar drew walks, and a pair of passed balls allowed Wensel to come around and score, while Pojar advanced to third. Addison Goldwait came in to pinch hit and delivered an RBI-single to left field that brought Lafayette within 7-4. 

The Leopards were retired in order in the seventh to leave the final at 7-4.
 
Stacy Gordon was in the circle, throwing 4.2 innings while allowing seven runs (six earned) in the loss. Hannah Cook came on in relief and threw 1.1 scoreless innings while striking out a batter.  
 
The Leopards return to action March 1-3 in the Elon Phoenix Invitational when they will face Elon, Oakland and La Salle.