Cincinnati, Ohio – The Mount St. Joseph University softball team put on a commanding performance in their home opener, sweeping Capital University in a doubleheader at the MSJ Softball Complex. Both games ended in five innings due to the mercy rule, with the Lions securing a 9-1 victory in Game 1 and a 10-2 win in Game 2.
Game 1: MSJ 9 – CU 1
Under sunny skies, the Lions took the field for the first time at home this season, and the MSJ community came out in full force to support them. The energy from the crowd fueled an explosive start, as the Lions plated five runs in the bottom of the first inning to seize early control.
MSJ continued to apply pressure, adding another run in the third before closing the game out with a two-run fifth inning. Extra-base hits proved key, with
Emily McDonald,
Shelby Rakosky, and
Maddie Kennedy each delivering doubles to move runners into scoring position. Aggressive base running from
Macy Cornelius,
Shelby Rakosky,
Skylar Fletcher,
Alayna Flynn, and Kennedy showed the Lions speed.
Game 2: MSJ 10 – CU 2
After a short break, the Lions returned to action for Game 2 and picked up right where they left off—swinging hot bats and keeping the pressure on Capital. MSJ scored in every inning except the second, showcasing their offensive consistency.
Extra-base hits were once again the story, with Rakosky and Cornelius delivering key doubles and Rakosky and Kennedy adding triples to extend the Lions' lead. Heading into the fifth inning with an eight-run advantage, MSJ looked to close things out early once again.
Capital showed some fight, managing to string together a home run, base hit, and a double in the top of the fifth to score twice, but MSJ's defense shut the door before the Commets could extend the game. Capital managed just four total hits in the contest as MSJ's pitching and defense remained sharp.
Up Next - The Lions will look to continue their momentum as they hit the road for a doubleheader at Ohio Northern University on Saturday, March 22, with first pitches set for 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
