Monday morning ushered in day two of the 2014 season for the Alma College softball team as they continued their spring trip in Clermont, Florida. The Scots took on Capital University (OH) and dropped two games - by scores of 3-0 and 7-1.

The Scots are now 2-2 on the young season, while Capital was victorious in their first two contests of the year.

Game 1

The opening game was a scoreless dual between Alma Jr. P Hannah Hybl (Central Lake/Charlevioux) and Capital Jr. P Brooke Billings for 5 plus innings. The Crusaders, who had runners on base in each of the first four innings, finally broke through with three unearned runs against Hybl in the bottom of the sixth inning.

For Alma, the hits were hard to come by against Billings as they mustered just one runner in scoring position over the first six at bats. Jr. DH Samantha Pierce (Clarklake/Michigan Center) singled with one out in the seventh and pinch runner Fr. Anna Couture (Posen/Posen) stole second.

However, Sr. LF Allie Jo Nave (Onaway/Onaway) and Sr. 2B Chanler McCaskey (Morenci/Morenci) were unable to get on base and the game ended with the 3-0 victory for Capital.

Hybl pitched all six innings and allowed four hits, with four walks and three strikeouts for the Scots. McCaskey, Pierce and So. C Kayla Merice (Dorr/Wayland) had the team's three singles.

Game 2

The nightcap was also a close affair for most of the game, as again both teams had a difficult time scoring runs during the first six innings. However, the Crusaders broke out for six tallies in the top of the seventh inning to solidify the 7-1 triumph.

Capital took a 1-0 lead after they led off the frame with consecutive doubles off of Alma starting P Pierce. The Scots tied it up at 1-1 in their half of the sixth inning during their best rally of the contest. Jr. RF Marie Zill (Chelsea/Chelsea) was hit by a pitch with one out and advanced to third on a single by Nave.

Alma was then able to get Zill across when PH Sarah Collier (Fenton/Fenton) grounded out to third, tying the game up. The Scots loaded the bases with two walks after the run scored, but were unable to get any other runners home.

The Crusaders broke a 1-1 tie with six runs in the top of the seventh. The rally with a line drive single to center before a walk put two runners on base. Next came a bunt single, with the runner scoring on a throwing error.

Then two pinch hitters each delivered with two-run hits to make it 5-1 and were followed by two run-scoring hits to extend the advantage to 7-1.

The Scots had a tough time with Capital starting P Alyssa Patznick, who didn't allow a hit until there were two outs in the fourth. The Scots mustered just three hits and had six strikeouts in the loss.

Pierce took the loss in the circle as she went six innings, allowing seven hits with two walks and a strikeout. All four runs allowed by her were earned. Jr. P Breu Olling (Breckenridge/Breckenridge) threw one inning and allowed four hits and three earned runs.

The Scots will continue their trip on Tuesday morning with two more games against Hanover College (OH). Game times are scheduled for 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.