Lexington, Ky. – The Transylvania softball team opened the 2019 season with an impressive sweep of the No. 9 Case Western Reserve University Spartans and the in-state rival Thomas More College Saints at Hall Field on Saturday afternoon.

The Pioneers' offense was on display throughout the day as the Transylvania batters combined for 18 hits in the pair of victories. Alyssa Nunn led the Pioneers with six hits, four runs, and three RBI in her Transylvania debut. 

Transylvania handed the ball to Kameron Bowling as the Pioneers faced off with the Case Western Reserve in the season opener. Bowling was spectacular in the circle on Saturday, striking out five batters and not allowing an earned run in the complete-game victory.

After falling behind in the bottom of the second inning, a triple from Cece Wittry scored Nunn and evened the score at 1-1. Later in the inning, an RBI-single from Brittany Mumford put the Pioneers ahead 2-1.

Transylvania went on to outscore Case Western 3-0 over the final two innings to capture the 5-1 victory.

Jessica Gunter took the circle for Transylvania in game two and allowed four runs on six hits while recording one strikeout in four innings of work.

The freshmen duo of Nunn and Annie Schuck combined for six hits, four RBI, and three runs in the game.

The Pioneers took control of the game right from the start as the Saints walked four straight batters with the bases loaded in the bottom of the first. Then, Nunn smacked a two-RBI single up the middle that put Transylvania ahead 6-0. 

After Thomas More put up four runs in the top of the fourth, the Pioneers responded by scoring five runs between the fourth and fifth innings to secure the 11-5 victory.

Up next for Transylvania is a spring break trip to Texas. The Pioneers will play 10 games over a six-day span beginning with a pair of games against the LeTourneau University Yellow Jackets on Sunday, March 10. First pitch is set for 4:00 p.m. at Ed Kruse Stadium.

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