ORLANDO, Fla. – The Trine University softball team picked up two more wins by defeating a pair of former NCAA Division III Softball Championship tournament teams. The Thunder opened the day with a 3-0 victory against Transylvania University before defeating Lebanon Valley College 8-0 in six innings.

The Thunder took a 1-0 lead in the first inning against the Pioneers. After both Whitney Duell and Tyra Marcum reached base on walks, Debbie Hill recorded a single that brought in that first run of the game.

After threatening in the second inning, Trine added to their lead in the fourth. Emma Beyer opened the inning with a single and moved to second on a sac bunt by Ainsley Phillips. Duell then brought her home with a single, making the score 2-0. Phillips opened the sixth inning with a solo homer to build the lead again to 3-0.

The lead was more than enough with Alexis Michon in the circle. Pitched all seven innings allowing just one baserunner on a single hit in the third inning. Along the way to the shutout win, she recorded 10 strikeouts.

The Thunder had another quick start against the Dutchmen. Karley Trine and Marcum each reached base in the first, giving Hill the ability to bring in both with a double and make the score 2-0. Hill led to the next run in the third, reaching second on an error before giving way for a pinch runner. Emma Lee brought in the run in the next at bat with a single.

Trine added to their lead again in the sixth inning. Three of the first four batters reached base to load the bases, allowing April Sellers to earn an RBI with a sacrifice fly to left field. After the next batter walked, Hill came to the plate with the bases loaded again. She sent the ball over the fence to make the score 8-0.

The six RBI day at the plate made Hill's job in the circle considerably easier. She pitched all six innings in the shutout victory, allowing seven hits and one walk while striking out four. She earned her first win of the season with the performance.

The Thunder improve to 8-4 overall following the pair of victories. Tomorrow, Saturday, March 8 will be their final day in Florida. They begin the day at 9 a.m. by facing off with Dominican (Ill.) University before finishing their trip against Husson University at 4:15 p.m.