LEESBURG, FL – The Alfred University softball team opened up its 2022 season with a nearly three-hour long loss to University of Mount Union on Sunday afternoon, dropping the contest, 7-6 in regulation.

The Saxons (0-1, 0-0 Empire 8) were down early after the bottom of the first inning, facing a 4-0 deficit. AU's bats came alive in the top of the second, third and fourth innings to go on a 6-1 spree, taking its first lead of the day. Mya Wells (San Ramon, CA/California) got the first run of the day, scoring when Raygan Wescott (Taft, CA/Taft Union) reached first on an error by the Raiders' pitcher. Allison O'Toole (Simi Valley, CA/Simi Valley) got the second run, cutting the Mount Union lead in half on a mishap from the Union catcher, failing to pick her off at third base.

"It was great to be back playing in the dirt after four months away from the field," Assistant Coach Brandon Harrison said. "We made some typical first day mistakes that we need to clean up, but that's what we're here for. We are happy with the way the girls battled back from a couple deficits, but it just didn't end our way. Looking forward to a great outing tomorrow!"

The Raiders tacked on an unearned run in the bottom of the second inning, making it a 5-2 game. The Saxons scored four runs in the third inning to tie the ballgame. Wells drove in Isabella Carrillo (Van Nuys, CA/Birmingham Community Charter) and Ashley Lugo (Hesperia, CA/Oak Hills) before Wescott found first base on another error, creating the opportunity for Tatiana Mejia (North Hills, CA/John F. Kennedy) to cross home plate. Lugo would be credited with the first triple of the season in the next inning, scoring Amber Swain (Sacramento, CA/Rio Americano) from second base. A Mount Union double in the bottom of the fourth that drove in two Raider runners would ultimately go on to be the game-winning scoring play.

Megan Bennett (Athens, PA/Athens Area) was credited with the loss, playing 2.2 innings, striking out three of the 11 batters faced. Arden Hatch (Orangevale, CA/St. Francis) played the first 3.1 innings, giving up six unearned runs. Wells led the batters, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and crossing home plate once.

The Saxons will next play at the Legends Ways Ballfields on Monday, March 7 with an 11:30am game versus Otterbein University and then a 1:45pm game against Bridgewater State University.