NEWPORT NEWS, VA – The Rowan University softball team started the season with a 7-0 shutout against McDaniel College on Saturday.  Host Christopher Newport University defeated Rowan, 9-0 in five innings in the second game.
 
Shortstop Carly Anderson (sr. Nutley, NJ/Nutley) was three for three at the plate with three RBIs and three runs versus McDaniel.  She recorded a double and one home run.  Left fielder Morgan Zane (fr. Pittsgrove, NJ/A.P. Schalick) contributed with a two-run homer.  Second baseman Sonia Sharma (so. Mahwah, NJ/Immaculate Heart Academy) produced two hits and scored one run.  Designated player Kelly Duffy (so. Sayreville, NJ/Sayreville War Mem.) chipped in with one hit and one RBI.
 
Right-hander Lauren Shannon (jr. Sewell, NJ/Washington Twp.) was the winning pitcher.  She only allowed four hits while striking out seven batters.  Righty Cassie Rickrode (jr. Hanover, PA/Delone Catholic) had the loss on the mound.  In three innings, she gave up four hits and four runs, one earned.
 
The Profs got on the scoreboard in the first inning.  Duffy drove in Anderson with a single down the left field line.  Rowan scored three runs in the third and fourth innings.  In the third, Anderson led off with a double and she came home on an error after two ground outs.  Zane followed with a two-run homer.  Anderson had a three run home run in the fourth inning.
 
Emily Weatherholtz (so. Manassas, VA/Osbourn Park) was the winning pitcher for Christopher Newport.  She (2-0) scattered four hits and had two strikeouts.  Right-hander Jesse DeDomenico (jr. East Windsor, NJ/Hightstown) went 2.1 innings in the loss.
 
Anderson and Zane each posted one hit.  Center fielder Kristina Mueller (sr. Basking Ridge, NJ/Ridge) and pinch hitter Alexa Saccomanno (fr. Kinnelon, NJ/Kinnelon)  had one hit apiece.