JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Colgate Softball split its season-opening doubleheader at the Debbie & Fred Pruitt Softball Complex, defeating North Dakota State 8-6 and falling to Jacksonville, 6-2.
First-years shined in their Colgate debuts, as Marina Taveras, Kayla Martin, and Izzy Ervin-Agudelo combined for seven hits, eight RBIs, and seven runs scored. Nora Megenity added two hits with a home run, an RBI, and a run scored.
Alexa Acker picked up the win in the circle. She appeared in both games, tossing 8 1/3 innings while yielding five runs (four earned) with six strikeouts en route to recording her 100th career punchout in a Colgate uniform.
COACH LAMISON-MYERS' COMMENTS
"I couldn't be happier with how we opened up the season. With such a young group you are worried about the nerves and excitement, but they truly played like upperclassmen. It was also a fantastic day from our senior arm,
Alexa Acker. She not only held the lead for us in Game 1 but gave a shot in a comeback attempt in game 2. I know like every year we will have ups and downs but its always fun to have a hot start."
Game 1 | Colgate 8, North Dakota State 6
Colgate exploded for three homers in the top of the first. Megenity bashed a leadoff home run to center field. Analisa Raffaelli and Lily Haluska both walked, setting the stage for Martin's three-run bomb to right-center. Taveras then added to the lead with a solo shot to left-center, quickly putting the Raiders ahead 5-0.
North Dakota State responded with two runs, narrowing the gap to 5–2 after the first inning.
In the third inning, Colgate extended its lead. Martin slashed a double and Taveras walked. Ervin-Agudelo then singled, driving in two runs. Megenity followed with an RBI single, as the offensive burst secured an 8-2 lead for Colgate after three innings.
The Bison mounted a comeback in the sixth inning. Lileigh Nieto, Taylinn Warren, and Morgan Zimmerman each contributed hits, resulting in a three-run inning for North Dakota State. However, the Raiders maintained their lead, entering the final inning with an 8-6 advantage.
Despite North Dakota State's efforts, Colgate held their ground in the seventh inning. Kelcie McGraw relieved Acker in the circle, ending the game with a strikeout to strand the bases loaded and secure Colgate's first season-opening win since 2017 by a final score of 8-6.
Game 2 | Jacksonville 6, Colgate 2
Jacksonville took control in the third inning with five runs on five hits while capitalizing on three defensive miscues. Vic Brunette's single capped the scoring, leaving the Dolphins ahead 5-0.
Colgate responded in the fifth inning. Martin drew a walk to start, followed by Taveras, who hit a two-run homer to left field, bringing the Raiders within 5-2. Mia Cascio's single added another baserunner, but the inning concluded with no further scoring.
In the sixth inning, Jacksonville extended its lead with a sacrifice fly, making it 6-2, which proved to be the final score.
McGraw pitched 2 2/3 innings for Colgate, allowing five runs on six hits while striking out two batters and walking two. Acker pitched 3 1/3 innings in relief, surrendering one run on four hits, with one strikeout and no walks.
Taveras made a strong impact by hitting a home run, driving in two runs, and scoring once. Martin contributed by scoring one run and drawing two walks.
UP NEXT
Colgate (1-1) continues action with a doubleheader on Saturday, facing North Dakota State again at 3 p.m. followed by North Florida at 7 p.m.
