BRIDGEPORT, West Virginia - After rain delayed the start of the Salem softball season from Thursday to Monday, head coach Steve Potts' team was raring to go when they opened their season against the Cardinals of Wheeling University. The Tigers kicked off the season with a bang as they swept the Cardinals. The games played out as follows:

Salem 4, Wheeling 2

In Game 1, Salem had some initial difficulties with the Cardinals as they fell behind 1-0 in the top of second inning. However, Salem answered right back with all 4 runs of their own. It started off when a Wheeling miscue allowed Sierra Chapa and Mackenzie Ringer to score. Right after that, Meesha Arroyo hit a hard single up the first base line that brought around Eliana Esteban and Meladie LaRance. With that lead, it was up to pitcher Meesha Arroyo and the Salem defensive gameplan to protect that lead through the next few innings. Wheeling made a brief comeback bid in the 4th by adding a single run, but Salem held onto a tough 4-2 win.

Salem 1, Wheeling 0

In the Game 2, the contest quickly became a pitcher's duel. Salem's Andrea Gallegos frustrated Wheeling batters all afternoon on her way to 4 total strikeouts in the game. Salem found their slim scoring edge in the 3rd when Meesha Arroyo singled again to bring around Kaydee Anderson from second. With that 1-0 advantage, Salem relied on the pitching prowess of Gallegos, and some key defensive plays from Ricki Garay and Meladie LaRance to walk away with their second win on the day along with the sweep of the Wheeling Cardinals. 

With this great start to the Salem softball season, the Tigers should be energized as they head into their next contest. Those contests will be against the Pioneers of Malone University. Malone will meet the Tigers on Tuesday, February 21st for a doubleheader in Bridgeport starting at 1 PM.