VALPARAISO, Ind. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) –The Green Bay softball team (7-11, 1-0 HL) opened the conference portion of its season this afternoon, facing Valparaiso (6-15, 0-1 HL) in the first of a three games slated against the Crusaders this weekend. The Phoenix didn't score first, but used a five-run fourth inning to get out in front of the Crusaders and never looked back, beginning conference play with a 7-2 victory over Valparaiso.
Green Bay 7, Valparaiso 2
Green Bay was unable to get the offense going early in the matchup, scoring zero runs in the first three innings and trailing Valparaiso by two after Moreno homered to give the Crusaders a 2-0 lead heading into the top of the fourth.
The fourth inning began with an Allie Taylor double to right-center field, giving the Phoenix a runner on second with no outs. Allie Hislope took advantage of Taylor standing on second and knocked a single into left to pick up the RBI and bring the Phoenix within one. Trailing by one with Hislope on second, Alyssa Johnson and Kelli Hutchinson turned in back-to-back singles to tie things up at 2-2 with Hailey Mohrfeld due up for Green Bay. Mohrfeld was patient in her plate appearance, drawing the walk for the Phoenix to load the bases up for Miranda Spangberg. Spangberg kept things rolling and sent one sailing into right field for a single, scoring Johnson and picking up the go-ahead RBI. The Phoenix would go on to score two more runs in the inning, with Abby Brinkmeier and Allie Taylor each picking up RBIs after drawing walks with the bases loaded.
Green Bay would also garner some offensive success in the sixth inning, as Brinkmeier sent one over the fence with Spangberg on for a two-run shot to give the Phoenix a 7-2 lead heading into the final inning.
Heather Sanderson didn't waver at any point for Green Bay, spending all 7.0 innings in the circle, fanning nine batters, allowing five hits and only giving up two runs.
“I'm proud of the way the team came out and trusted their abilities,” head coach Beth Spoehr said. “They are playing for each other. It was a lot of fun to be a part of.”
Green Bay continues the conference matchup with a doubleheader against the Crusaders tomorrow afternoon with games slated for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
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