CLERMONT, FL – The Cabrini softball team opened its 2017 season today, suffering a pair of losses in Clermont, FL. The Cavaliers lost to Otterbein University 6-1 in the opener and 23-0 to Wartburg College in the nightcap.

The Blue and White jumped to an early lead in the opener, as junior starting pitcher Jess Giordano helper her cause with an RBI single in the top of the first inning. Giordano's single to right center scored freshman Alexandra Schell, who reached drew a walk to open the season.

Unfortunately, the Cavaliers mustered just two more hits in the game.

Otterbein (5-1) evened the score in the bottom of the third and took control in the fourth.  The Cardinals recorded three hits and took advantage of three Cabrini errors to plate four runs.

The Blue and White looked to rally in the late innings, but just three Cavaliers reached base in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings.

Giordano and seniors Amber Dietrich and Taylor Mack accounted for Cabrini's three hits. Giordano suffered the loss, despite allowing just one earned run on seven hits over four innings.

The Cavaliers could not find any offensive rhythm in the nightcap, as it posted just one hit on a bunt single by junior Chrissy Ferraro in the bottom of the first inning.

Wartburg (3-1) took advantage of Cabrini's offensive struggles, scoring two runs in the first and three in the second.  The Knights blew the game open in the third, as they scored 12 runs on nine hits.

The Knights' offense posted 23 hits on the day and scored in four of the game's five innings.   

Senior Taylor Gallagher suffered the loss, surrendering nine earned runs on 12 hits, while sophomore Jenna Rodriguez allowed 10 earned runs on three innings.

The road gets no easier for the Blue and White, as it will face No. 12 Alma College (2-2) tomorrow for a doubleheader.  Games are slated for 9am and 11:30am.