Danville, VA-The Salem College softball team split their opening USA South East Division games at Averett yesterday. Salem, the defending USA South West Regular Season Champions, are playing their first season in the East Division. Salem came back for a dramatic 6-3 win in the first game, before falling 8-5 in the second game. Salem is now 1-1 in conference and 8-6 overall, while Averett is 1-1 and 4-8.
The Cougars led the majority of the first game. They went into the 6th inning with a 3-0 lead, when Salem cut the lead to 3-2. In the final inning, Salem scored 4 runs for the win. Brianna Morris pitched 3.1 innings and gave up 3 runs. Kayla Ogle came in an picked up the win pitching 3.2 innings and not giving up a run.
In game 2, Averett jumped out to a 6-0 lead after 2 innings. The Spirits cut the lead to 6-3, but never got closer than 3 runs for the rest of the game. Miranda Barker picked up the loss as she allowed 8 runs on 10 hits.
Breanna Herman led the Spirits with 5 hits combined in both games. Jennifer Vitarelli had 4 hits for the day. Herman had a team high 3 runs batted in and Amanda Dacunto scored 3 runs. Herman and Vitarelli each hit a double.
Salem will play at Greensboro today in USA South action at 12 and 2.