BUIES CREEK, N.C. -- Lafayette softball started the 2025 season with a 3-0 loss to Bryant in the opening round of the Camel Classic at Campbell University on Friday morning.

The Leopards received a strong opening-day performance from rookie Emma Ahlborn. Ahlborn accounted for two of Lafayette's four hits. 

Lafayette's offense was not without its opportunities, especially in the early going. In the first inning, freshman Caroline Hall reached second on a fielding error. Bryant starter Maddy Wachter struck out the next two batters before Hall was retired trying to steal third.

The Maroon and White did not have to wait long for their next scoring change. Lafayette loaded the bases following singles from Ahlborn and sophomores Regan Dillon and Katie Harrington to start the second inning. Wachter struck out the next two batters and then retired Hall on a fly out to center to end the threat and keep the game scoreless. 

Bryant scored its first two runs of the game in the fourth inning on a McKenzie McAloon double up the middle off Lafayette reliever Marisa Powell.  The Bulldogs added one more run in the sixth, scoring an unearned run on a one-out double by Hannah Cochran.

Wachter collected the circle victory, retiring the Leopards in order in the fourth, sixth and seventh innings to finish with 11 strikeouts. Powell had the loss despite a strong showing in which she gave up two earned runs on five hits over six innings with six strikeouts. 

Lafayette will play host Campbell at 3 p.m. today followed by single games with Bryant on Saturday at noon and UMass-Lowell on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. (following some rescheduling of the tournament slate due to weather).