WASHINGTON – The Catholic University of America softball team opened the 2017 season with a crosstown matchup against Gallaudet and went on to sweep the doubleheader against the Bison, 6-0 and 5-1.

The Cardinals earned the shutout in game one and totaled 19 hits over two games which included 11 in the opening game.

Senior outfielder Molly MacNeill started the year right as she went 3-for-4 with three RBI in the first tilt. Both Sophomore Hailey Horton and Marissa Wimmer went 2-for-3.

Sophomore Kelly Lynch went six scoreless innings and allowed just one hit with eight strikeouts.

Catholic plated two runs in the third and then exploded four in the final frame to complete the 6-0 shutout.

The Cards kept it going in game two as two first inning runs proved to be the difference.

Senior Erin Adams went 2-for-3 with a triple and an RBI to help Catholic to the 2-0 start.

She was joined by senior Rebekah Hoisl with a 2-for-3 performance as she finished her day with three stolen bases over two games.

MacNeill completed her impressive day as she scored three times in game two with a double and a walk.

Rookie pitcher Sabrina Scott came on in relief and tossed 3.2 shutout innings with four strikeouts.

Catholic has a week off to prepare for its Spring Break trip as the Cards fly south to Clermont, Fla., for the PFX Spring Games which start on Sunday, March 5.

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