Three first-inning runs were enough for Eckerd College to defeat the Hillsdale College softball team 3-1 in the Chargers' final game in the 2019 NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida.
Hillsdale, 2-3 on the season, is now off until it returns to the Sunshine State to begin Spring Break play March 8.
The Tritons tallied all three of their runs in the top of the first inning on a wild pitch and a two-run single. The Chargers were held off the board until junior Sam Catron singled home Amanda Marra in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Sophomore Natalie Walters pitched five shutout innings in relief for Hillsdale, holding Eckerd down effectively. She struck out two and scattered five hits in her relief appearance.
Senior Katie Kish belted out two more hits to finish the tournament with a total of nine hits in 18 at bats - a .500 batting average against some very good competition.
Walters and Sydney San Juan - celebrating her birthday - also picked up base hits for the Chargers.
PHOTO: Carly Gouge