Martinsville, VA-The Salem College softball team played two close games with a tough Averett team today on a very cold field. The Cougars were able to hold on for a 3-0 win in the first game, while Salem fought back to tie a shortened game 4-4 in the second game. Amber Bass and Kierston Garner each had two hits to lead the Spirits. Salem starts the season a 0-1-1, while Averett is now 3-0-1. 

First-year, Breanna Morris, pitched a strong game in her first collegiate start in game one. She only allowed 3 scattered runs on 8 hits in 6 innings. Averett scored twice in the 3rd and added a run in the fourth for the win. Bass had 2 hits, including a double to lead the Spirits in the first game. 

Game 2 was shortened due to darkness after the 5th inning. Salem fought back from a 2-0 deficit to score 3 runs in the top of the 4th. Averett tied the game in the bottom of the inning, before Salem went back on top in the top of the 5th 4-3. Averett scored 1 run in the bottom of the 5th to tie the game up.

Lauryn Smith pitched in game 2 for Salem. She allowed 3 earned runs in 5 innings. Garner had both of her hits in game 2, including a run. Morris finished with 2 runs batted in after she hit a double. Kayla Kennedy scored 2 runs, and Hannah Ogle scored another. Jennifer Vitarelli, Montana Lineberger, and Bre Crumley all had 1 hit today.

The Spirits are back in action tomorrow, when they travel to Raleigh to take on William Peace.