MADISON, NJ (March 14, 2021)- FDU Softball opened their 2021 season at home on McManus Field Sunday, splitting a doubleheader with DeSales University. The Devils won game one, 6-4 and fell in game two, 4-1. With the split, FDU's record moves to 1-1, while the Bulldogs go to 1-3.
 
Game One
Senior, Kaleigh Oplinger started for the Devils in the circle.

FDU got on the board early in the contest, platting a run in the bottom of the first off a RBI single from senior, Taylor Tobey, scoring fellow senior, Dani Sames. DeSales wasted no time bouncing back, scoring one of their own in the top of the second, tying the score at one apiece. In the bottom of the second, the Devils struck again. After a senior, Heather Priante single and advance to second base on an error, senior, Kacie Centineo, drove in Priante to retake a 2-1 advantage.
 
Back and forth both offenses went, as DSU scored another in the top of the third to even the score again, 2-2. FDU wasted no time regaining the lead, as junior, Morgan DeLoreto hit a solo homerun to left field. Again, the Bulldogs answered with a run to tie the game at three in the next half. After an inning and a half of scoreless softball, DeSales grabbed their first lead of the game in the top of the sixth, 4-3. In the bottom of the frame, the Devils offense hit their stride. After a walk from Priante and Centineo, coupled with a single from Sames, FDU loaded the bases with one out for senior, Nicole Casale. Casale drove a ball to center field, scoring one and tying the game at four. It was junior, Colleen Conway who did the rest. With the bases still loaded, Conway roped a double to right field, scoring Sames and Centineo to give the Devils a 6-4 advantage. Oplinger shut the door in the top of the seventh to close out the victory for FDU.
 
Oplinger went the distance, throwing 7.0 innings and giving up only three earned runs.
 
Game Two
Junior, Ciara Hoffman started in the circle for the Devils.

Both teams started the second game where they left off in the first. DeSales platted one in the top of the first and FDU responded with one in the bottom of the frame, thanks to a RBI double from Centineo. DSU continued with their hot sticks, scoring two more in the second on two hits, taking a 3-1 advantage. The teams remained scoreless over the next five innings, before it was DSU scoring again. This time, off a solo homerun over the left field fence.
 
Leading 4-1 in the bottom of the seventh, the Bulldogs closed out the victory, their first of the season.
 
First Timer
The victory for FDU was the first in the career of Head Coach, Bridget Rafter.
 
Lead Devil
Centineo was everywhere for the Devils, finishing the DH 3-for-5 with two RBI's, two BB's and one run scored. She also played very well defensively, making great plays all day in the outfield.
 
Hit Parade
FDU finished the day with 21 total hits, 11 in game one and 10 in game two.
 
Next Up
The Devils return to action Saturday, March 20, at McManus Field, for a MAC Freedom DH versus Misericordia University, starting at 12pm.