DC Opens Up 2009 with Rout of Centre

DANVILLE, Ky. – The Defiance College softball team outscored Centre College 17-1 in its season-opening doubleheader, grabbing a 7-1 victory in the opener before taking only five innings to crush the Colonels 10-0 in the nightcap. DC (2-0) will continue its trip down south, stopping in Orlando, Fla. for its annual appearance in the Rebel Spring Games.

The Jackets used impressive performances in the circle from Justine Johnston and Kelly Schnipke to hold Centre, a 20-win team a year ago, to just one run on the day. DC's offense was also on display, as the Purple and Gold tallied 17 hits in the two games, including four long balls.

Johnston went the distance in the opener to record the victory, giving up just one run on five hits with three strikeouts. Marah Robison, the reigning HCAC Freshman of the Year, led the Defiance attack with a pair of one-run homers to go along with her four runs scored. Mallory Faling drove in two runs on two-of-four hitting, while Stephanie Lieto collected two hits including a double. Aarika Davis went two-for-three, plating a run and scoring twice.

Schnipke posted the third shutout of her career in the final game of the twin bill, holding the Colonels to three hits while giving up no walks and fanning seven. DC's bats stayed hot in the closer, scoring ten runs in five innings on nine hits. Tasha Stucke led the way for Defiance, going three-for-four with a pair of doubles and two runs scored. Stephanie Lieto blew the game open with a three-run blast, while Amanda Auzins added a solo shot. Robinson picked up where she left off in the opener, recording two hits and driving in a run.

Defiance will be back in action on Sunday, March 8, when it opens up play at the Rebel Spring Games. The Jackets will face Mount Union at 11:00 a.m., before battling Waynesburg at 3:00 p.m.