Wise, Va. – Head Coach Karen Bitter's softball team opened its 2013 season on Sunday by pounding out nine hits en route to an 8-7 come from behind victory over NCAA Division II member University of Charleston.
The Cavaliers (1-0) used a three hit, two RBI performance from Kristina Romualdo and a two hit, two RBI game from Christina Ziemba in the offensive outburst. In the loss the Golden Eagles (0-1) had seven players enter the hit column, including a two hit, three RBI game from leadoff hitter Jacqueline Carlin.
A back and forth affair, the game was not decided until the Cavaliers final at bat. UVa-Wise entered the half inning trailing 7-6 after surrendering the lead in the top half of the inning. The Cavs put the first two runners of the inning on a base hit from Ziemba and a walk from Allyssa Zebrowski. Two hitters later, Megan Dillion would drive Zebrowski home on an RBI single. UVa-Wise would take the lead on a wild pitch that would plate Dillion.
In the bottom half of the frame, Kellie Waycaster would record her first collegiate save as she retired the Golden Eagles without allowing a run. Rachel Hawks earned the win for the Cavs while Abby Nichols suffered the loss for the Eagles.
The second game of Saturday's double header was suspended in the bottom of the fourth inning with the University of Charleston leading 13-9. The game will be finished next month when the Cavs visit the Golden Eagles for a double header.
UVa-Wise will return to action on February 17 when the team travels to Milligan College. The double header is slated to begin at 1:00 p.m.
.jpg)
