Clermont, Florida – The Saint Mary's University of Minnesota fastpitch team started its 2017 season in exciting fashion, winning its spring trip opener against Augustana College 2-1 in 8 innings. The Cardinals jumped on Auggies pitcher Kelcie Fredrickson in the first inning when freshman Haley Williams (Littleton, Colo.) started the inning with a walk and senior Kathi Opsahl (Elk River, Minn) drove her in on a base hit to left field.
 
The Auggies remained silent until a base hit to left field by Madeline McGuire in the 3^rd inning scored Carly Wilson, who got on base after a lead off walk. One run was all senior pitcher Ashley Betzold (Farmington, Minn) would allow as she went a complete 8 innings with 5 strikeouts.
 
The Cardinals answered in the 8^th inning to win the game when junior Haley Vanourney (Marion, Iowa) scored junior Brit Birkhauser (Wis. Rapids, Wis) on a sacrifice fly to center field to end the game. Opsahl, Williams, Vanourney, senior Molly Urban (Roseville, Minn), and sophomore Mia Lloyd (Minneapolis, Minn) each chipped in a hit a piece.
 
In the night cap, Waynesburg University took an early lead scoring three in the first inning and four in the 4^th inning. The Cardinals responded in the 5^th when junior Kali Aldrich singled and senior Alexa Diteman (Burnsville, Minn) hit a RBI double over the left fielders head. Unfortunately, that would be all the runs the Cardinals could muster. Waynesburg scored one more run in the 6^th for a final score of 8-1. Junior Allie Borawski (Stickney, Ill) accounted for the only other hit.
 
The Cardinals are back in action Monday, February 27^th when they take on Otterbein University and Hanover College at 11:30 and 4:30 eastern time.