Softball starts season 2-1

Andrew High / Sports editor

Elon’s softball team started it’s season with a 7-1 win, Feb. 13 over James Madison in the Triangle Classic. The team came out of the Classic 2-1, losing to UNC-Chapel Hill and beating Marshall.

Softball coach Patti Raduenz said the team’s defense was one of its best assets.

“When the pitchers know they’ve got a tough defense behind them, not just being able to make the play, but being able to get the balls that an average player would not get to, is big for us and big for the mentality of our pitchers,” she said. “These guys have worked hard in the off-season as far as conditioning, as far as defensive footwork. It’s a good thing to see it pay off for them.”

Senior Jamie Dupont hit two homeruns for the Phoenix in the three game set. Raduenez said Dupont is one of her better hitters.

“She’s a good hitter when she swings the bat,” she said. “Jamie’s always been a strong kid. I just see her as being a little bit on the picky side. With her, anything that’s thrown over the plate is going to get hit solid.”

The Phoenix will play in the Elon Invitational this weekend. The field for the third Invitational features Akron, North Carolina A&T, Campbell, Robert Morris and Virginia Tech.