Box Score COLUMBUS, Ga. – The offense exploded as the reigning national champion Trine University softball team opened the season with a 17-0 victory over Piedmont University on the first day of the 2024 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Leadoff Classic.
Alexis Michon opened the season in the circle and looked close to midseason form from the rip. She retired eight straight batters in the contest, ultimately allowing just one hit in the five-inning game while striking out six.
The offense got going in the bottom of the first, plating ten runs to take the immediate lead. The Thunder got plenty of help from the Lions in the inning, receiving a free base five times and advancing on errors twice. Karley Trine brought home the first run of the inning with a double, with Emma Lee plating the second after a bases loaded hit by pitch.
After a third run scored on an error, Michon came to the plate with bases loaded. She recorded a double that cleared the bases and chased the second pitcher of the day from the circle for Piedmont. Scarlett Elliott and Ellie Trine both added RBIs before two final runs scored on errors drawn by Tyra Marcum.
The lone run of the second inning came on a groundout by Ainsley Phillips, which did earn an RBI.
The team brought in four more runs in the third. Marcum brought in the first with a single, followed by Lee and Emma Beyer each adding another RBI single. The final run of the side came on a sacrifice fly by Elliott.
A pair of pinch hitters brought in the final runs of the day in the fourth inning. Michaela Doiron brought in the first with a triple and Macy Rocha on a sacrifice fly.
With the score 17-0, the game ended with a quick top of the fifth inning. Michon struck out two in the half inning to secure the win.
Following the game, the NFCA announced changes to the schedule for tomorrow, Friday, March 1, due to forecasted inclement weather. The Thunder are now scheduled to play just one game, coming against 16th ranked East Texas Baptist University at 5 p.m.
