Whitaker-Seabrook lead Pioneers to doubleheader sweep.

Once again SMC jumped out to a quick lead in the first inning scoring two runs on three hits. Freshman Katie Seabrook tripled with one out in the first and scored on Brooke Barnhill's ground out. Lauren Eastwood double to deep center and scored on freshman Casey Whitaker's two out single to left. 

Sophomore Alison Ruppe(1-0)got the start in game two for the Pioneers and looked very sharp. ruppe went five innings, giving up one run on three hits, two walks and struck out four. 

Game one starter Bailey Smith((1-0) relieved Ruppe in the sixth inning and held the Patriots to one unearned run in two innings. She struck out three and only allowed one hit to notch the save.

SMC collected two more runs in the third inning, freshman Alex Bettis singled and moved to second on Seabrook's bunt single. Both runners scored on Barnhill's double to centerfield. 

Bailey Smith drove in Casey Shue who reached on an error in the sixth inning to make the score 5-2. 

"Taking two games from a solid ball club on opening day is a nice way to start the season, said Fox. We threw it well, hit it well, looked solid on defense with some outstanding diving plays by Rebekah Smith,Casey Whitaker, and two great plays by Leea Polin at first. "

SMC will travel to Gardner Webb University on Saturday for a 1:00pm double header with the division one Bulldogs.