Bulldogs earn first win, top Corpus Christi, 8-2, Sunday

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Behind a solid performance in the pitching circle from sophomore Elle Madsen (Wheat Ridge, Colo.), the Bryant University softball picked up an 8-2 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Sunday morning in its final game at the UTSA Mid Major Classic.

Not only did Sunday mark the first win of the year for Bryant but it's also gave first-year head coach Shayne Lotito her first victory as a Bulldog.

The two teams were tied at 1-1 after three full innings until junior Jessica Benacquista (Belleville, N.J.) blasted a three-run homerun to right field to put the Black and Gold on top, 4-1. One inning later, Madsen helped herself with a solo shot of her own, which sparked a four-run inning which included an RBI single from senior Aubrey Mable (Aurora, Colo.) and a two-run homer from freshman Taylor Burger (Killingworth, Conn.).

In the circle, Madsen allowed just two runs on nine hits in seven innings of work to pick up her first win of the 2014 season. Mable, Benacquista and junior outfielder Madeline Velasquez (Los Angeles, Calif.) led the Bulldogs with a pair of hits apiece.

Looking ahead, Bryant will have two-week hiatus before returning to action the second week of March for the Chanticleer Challenge in Conway, S.C., on March 7-9.

For all the latest news on the Bryant University softball team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.