The Central Connecticut State University softball team hosted Saint Peter’s University on Saturday for a doubleheader to kick off the season, winning both games by scores of 4-3 and 8-0.
Game one saw four home runs, including two in the first inning. The first came from senior Meg Gorman, and the second from freshman Reagan Vunak in her first collegiate plate appearance.
“It was my first at-bat, so I was nervous,” Vunak said.
Central’s other two home runs came from senior Paige Stringer in the third and junior Ava Cino in the sixth, which ended up being the game-winning run.
The reigning NEC Pitcher of the Year, senior Kaylee Whittaker, threw a complete game, only giving up three runs.
“Our main goal is to win the conference,” Whittaker said. “Obviously, we have to take it game by game, but I think with the group we have, it’s looking good this year.”
In the second game, Central started off swinging a hot bat. The lineup combined for six runs in the bottom of the first to take a commanding 6-0 lead. They won in the sixth inning via mercy rule, scoring their eighth run.
Freshman Liz Hamilton tossed a gem in her debut, throwing all six innings. She gave up no runs and only three hits while striking out six.
“I hope to keep building off of today and gain more control over my pitching,” Hamilton said.
Coach Breanne Gleason said she doesn’t like to set goals for the team but does want to win games.
“I feel like last year, we were a little unsure when we started,” Gleason said. “We had a little bit of a shaky year in 2022, and we just want to pick up where we left off in 2023.”
The Blue Devils will return home on Feb. 25 for another doubleheader against Saint Peter’s.
