NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- The Thiel College softball team opened its 2026 campaign in dominant fashion Sunday afternoon, defeating Penn State Du Bois 11–3, at the North Myrtle Beach Sorts Complex.
To extend their runs into double digits,
Ava Gilmore (West Middlesex, Pa./West Middlesex Area) hit a sacrifice fly to center field, to bring
Madison Hufford (Cortland, Ohio/Mathews) home to bring Thiel's lead to 10-2 in the fourth.
The Blue and Gold's biggest inning came in the third, after an error for Gilmore and sacrifice fly from
Sheila Despenes (Townville, Pa./Maplewood). Sophomore
Kayley Risser (Reynoldsville, Pa./Dubois Central Catholic) nailed a triple down the third base line, clearing the bases, extending their lead to 9-0.
The Lions got on the board in the bottom of the third with two runs, but that did not slow down the Tomcat's bats.
The Tomcats first created separation in the second inning, scoring four runs.
Kylie Heid (Monaca, Pa./Central Valley) delivered an RBI single before
Lily Merolillo (Mineral Ridge, Ohio/Mineral Ridge) added an RBI triple. Merolillo later scored on a wild pitch, and Risser capped the inning by stealing home to stretch the lead to 5–0.
In the circle,
Alaina Fedder (Clearfield, Pa./Clearfield Area) earned the win after pitching the first three innings, allowing two runs while striking out two.
Mackenzie Herman (Greenville, Pa./Reynolds) tossed the final two innings in relief.
Thiel ended their season opener with 11 hits, two triples, three doubles, and three stolen bases.
Risser led the day with four hits and five RBI's, as Heid had two hits and scored three runs.
Thiel's second contest of the day against Keystone was suspended at the bottom of the fifth inning due to weather. The Cats were up 11-8, with one out,
Marsha Foreman (Bonita Springs, Fla./Bonita Springs) up to bat.
The Blue and Gold are back in action Monday, Mar. 9 as they continue their 10-game stretch down south with two games against Hilbert (9 a.m.) and King's College (1 p.m.).
