Box Score GULF SHORES, Ala. – The Spring Hill College (SHC) softball team opened the 2017 with a 10-9 non-conference victory over the Embry-Riddle University (ERAU) Eagles at the SportsPlex in the opening game of the 2017 NCAA DII Gulf Coast Invitational.
 
ERAU (0-1) rallied to score five runs in the bottom of the 2^nd inning after SHC had taken a 2-0 lead in the top of the frame off a 2-run home run by freshman Bayleigh Anders on the second pitch of her collegiate career.
 
The Badgers put three runs across the plate in the 3^rd inning when sophomore catcher Kali Clement ripped a 3-run homer down the left field line. The power display by the Badgers continued in the 4^th inning when Clement mashed a Grand Slam out of left to stake SHC to a 10-6 advantage.
 
A 2-run home run by the Eagles in the 5^th frame brought ERAU to within 10-9, but Katelyn Wilson earned the first save of the year by taking over the circle for Badger starter Danielle Clark (1-0) and finishing the final seven outs of the contest. Clark allowed nine hits with five walks and three strike outs while Wilson allowed just a walk with two strike outs.
 
At the plate, the Badgers were paced by Clement's 2-for-4 day with seven RBI while Anders was 2-for-3 with two RB I and centerfielder Jenna Charnock had two hits.
 
For ERAU, Illona Andringa (0-1) took the loss in five innings with eight hits, two walks and seven strike outs as both Eryn Chester and Maggie Scott earned two hits with three RBI.
 
Spring Hill (1-0) will next face the Pre-Season No. 1 ranked and defending NCAA Division II National Champions University of North Alabama Lions (1-0) on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. at the SportsPlex.