In the home opener of the 2011 season, the College of Saint Benedict softball team came away with two victories over visiting St. Catherine University.  The Blazers used a four-run sixth inning to take control of game one and won by a score of 7-3.  In the nightcap, CSB scored all eight of their runs in the first two innings to take the game 8-0.

In the opener, the CSB offense was paced by seniors Kristen Herges (Rochester, MN, John Marshall), Abby Richardson (Storm Lake, IA, St. Mary's), and Carissa Hancock (Grand Rapids, MN, Grand Rapids) who each collected two hits.  First-year Rachel Nelson (Lindstrom, MN, Chisago Lakes) was solid on the mound as she picked up the victory.

In game two, first-year Stacy Svihel (Cold Spring, MN, Rocori) hit a two-run homerun to get the Blazers on the board in the bottom of the first inning.  In the second inning, CSB strung together five singles to push the lead to 8-0.

Svihel paced the CSB offense with a 2-for-2 performance at the plate with two runs scored and four RBIs  Carissa Hancock (Grand Rapids, MN, Grand Rapids) was 3-for-3 with two runs scored, and Richardson, Herges, and senior Devin Bowlin (Winona, MN, Winona Cotter) each added two hits.  Junior Emma Alwin (Plymouth, MN, Wayzata) pitched all five innings, scattered three hits, did not give up a run, and struck out three to pick up the victory.

CSB will travel to Hamline University on Wednesday, April 13 for a doubleheader starting at 4 p.m.

Game 1 Box Score

Game 2 Box Score