CARY, NC – The Rowan University softball team opened the 2018 season with wins over Methodist University, 7-0 and Averett University, 4-2 on Friday. 
 
The Profs have two more games at the Triangle Classic on Saturday. They play Randolph-Macon College at 10 a.m. and Randolph College at noon.
 
Right-hander Lauren Shannon (so. Sewell, NJ/Washington Twp.) threw four innings for the victory versus Methodist (1-10).  She scattered three hits struck out five batters and did not allow any walks.  Randi Jacobs (so. Shannon, NC/St. Paul) had the loss (0-1) on the mound.
 
First baseman Mackenzie Short (so. Denton, MD/North Caroline) contributed with three hits (four at bats), two RBIs, a double and two runs scored.  Left fielder Rebecca Lombardo (fr. New Egypt, NJ/New Egypt) produced two hits in four at bats, three RBIs and one run.  Right fielder Morgan Smith (sr. Millsboro, DE/Sussex Central) and third baseman Cassandra Gerard (jr. Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) each chipped in with two hits, a double and one run.  Shortstop Carly Anderson (jr. Nutley, NJ/Nutley) drove in one run while catcher Nicole Paiotti (sr. Oakland, NJ/Indian Hills) crossed the plate one time.   
 
Rowan was ahead 4-0 after three runs in the top of the second inning and one in the third.  Gerard came home on a passed ball for the first run in the second.  Lombardo plated Short with a single.  Anderson grounded out, scoring Lombardo.  In the third, Short doubled to left center and Paiotti scored.  The Profs added three more runs in the fifth.  Short singled in Smith who led off with a base hit to right field.  Lombardo knocked in two runs that were scored by pinch runner Madison Petroski (fr. Sicklerville, NJ/Timber Creek Reg.) and Short.
 
Anderson recorded a two-run homer against Averett (1-5).  Center fielder Kristina Mueller (jr. Basking Ridge, NJ/Ridge) and Smith each had two hits.  Gerard registered one RBI while right fielder Rachel Breuninger (jr. Sparta, NJ/Lenape Valley Reg.) and Mueller each scored one run.   
 
Righty Jesse DeDomenico (so. East Windsor, NJ/Hightstown) went the distance on the mound for the win.  She gave up six hits and two earned runs while striking out four.  Pitcher Kaitlyn Aherron (so. Alton, VA/Dan River) went 5.2 innings in the loss.  She (0-3) allowed six hits and four earned runs.  Aherron posted eight strikeouts. 
 
The Cougars got on the scoreboard first with one run in the fourth inning.  The Profs took the lead 2-1 in the bottom of the fifth.  With one out, Anderson blasted a two-run shot over the left field fence.  Rowan scored two runs in the sixth inning to lead 4-1.  Anderson and Gerard each had a RBI when they walked with the bases loaded.  Averett's final run came in the seventh inning.