Bulldog offense explodes for 11 runs in rout of Maryland Eastern Shore Fri.

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Behind a 10-run third inning, the Bryant University softball team took down Maryland Eastern Shore, 11-1, Friday afternoon in its season opener in Spartanburg, S.C.

An offensive outburst featuring four homeruns lifted the Bulldogs (1-0) to a convincing season-opening victory over the struggling Hawks (0-4) in the opening game of the Spartan Invitational.

"It was really exciting to see the team come out and perform the way they did right off the bat," said Bryant head coach Shayne Lotito. "Today truly showed how explosive our offense can be and how the team can step up to any challenge and play their game."

Freshman shortstop Rachel Monroe (Southwick, Mass.) wasted little time getting off to a strong rookie campaign, going 2-for-3 with two runs and four RBI including a three-run jack to right center in the top of the third. Senior centerfielder Madeline Velasquez (Los Angeles, Calif.) and junior pitcher Elle Madsen (Wheat Ridge, Colo.) also finished 2-for-3 on the day.

After a solo shot from Taylor Burger (Killingworth, Conn.) in the top of the second gave Bryant some breathing room, junior Liana Ogata (Tustin, Calif.) got things going in the top of the third with a one-out double to right center, setting up Monroe's first RBI of the afternoon on a double to center, putting the Black and Gold up 2-0.

After a Velasquez infield single helped cause a throwing error to score Monroe, Madsen sent her first homer of the year over the left-center field fence to give Bryant the 5-0 edge. Junior Hayley Bottino (Canyon Country, Calif.) made it back-to-back jacks for the Black and Gold, sending one deep to center field to extend the edge to six.

The next three Bulldogs earned their way on base, loading them up for sophomore outfielder Haylee Haas (Moorpark, Calif.) who drove in Lauren Keast (Holliston, Mass.) and Jessica Benacquista (Belleville N.J.) to widen the gap to eight runs. After Ogata earned a walk, Monroe capped off the unbelievable inning with a three-run shot to right-center to make it 11-0 Bryant.

"[Taylor] Burger sparked the offense with a huge homerun in first at bat," added Lotito. "And we just kept it going with Elle [Madsen], [Haley] Bottino, and Rachel's [Monroe] big day.

"Rachel came in with tough mentality, and despite having big shoes to fill, she rose to the occasion, coming into own over the last few months, putting in the hard work, and really finding her role on the team."

Madsen took care of the rest from inside the circle, allowing only a single run, in the bottom of fifth, on five hits while striking out four in her first victory of the year.

"Overall, 1-9 did a great job at the plate and played sound defense," closed Lotito. "We got outs and Elle did her job in circle."

The Bulldogs get back to work on Saturday with a doubleheader, facing off with Maryland Eastern Shore at noon before wrapping up the day vs. host USC Upstate at 4 p.m.