WASHINGTON - The Catholic University of America softball team looked strong in its season-opener at Gallaudet as the Cardinals swept the Bison, 9-0 and 10-2 in five innings.

The Catholic offensive and defense showed true as the Cards racked up 21 hits in two games while allowing just four hits in each game.

Rookie center fielder Makayla Czan got the season started in style as she hit an inside-the-park home run in the first at-bat of the season. She finished game won 4-for-5 with two RBI and a run. She followed it up with a 2-for-3 performance in game two with another run and an RBI.

Junior pitcher Kelly Lynch took care of the rest as she started and went five scoreless with seven strikeouts with only two hits and a walk. Rookie Allie Lajeunesse entered for the final two innings to complete the win.

Senior catcher Alyssa Keane started the year off strong with a 3-for-4 game with a run, RBI and a triple. She also showed plate discipline in game two as she drew two walks with a run and an RBI.

Junior Hailey Horton and rookies Giselle Diaz and Taylor Forgen all went 2-for-3 in game one. Horton added two RBI and two runs. Forgen also added two runs and an RBI.

Diaz kept it going in game two as she went 2-for-3 again with two runs and an RBI.

Sophomore Claire Sturek and Sabrina Scott combined for five innings in the circle for game two with six strikeouts.

Catholic will have a week off before it plays 10 games the following week at the PFX Spring Games in Clermont, Fla.

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