AUBURNDALE, Florida - After weather affected both the home and road slates for the Tigers in early March, the Salem softball program finally got a chance to get back on the field this afternoon as part of their annual trip down to Florida. As part of The Spring Games, Salem faced off with California (PA) and Saint Rose in Auburndale. Unfortunately, Salem was unable to effectively shake off the rust, and fell in both contests. Each game played out as follows:

California (PA) 6, Salem 0
For Game 1, the Tigers took on the Vulcans of California (PA). Salem had a tough time initially getting the offense going, and the Vulcans added the bulk of their runs in the opening innings. From there, the Tigers needed a big rally to make their way back into the contest. They found their best shot in the 4th when they opened with a pair of a walk and 2 hits. However, California was able to shut the door on the Tigers on their way to the 6-0 shutout. In the pitcher's circle, the combined efforts of Andrea Gallegoes and Brooke Wise yielded 4 strikeouts.

Saint Rose 8, Salem 0

For Game 2, the Tigers faced off with Saint Rose out of the state of New York. The Tigers again ran into trouble creating scoring chances as they were able to notch just two hits in the contest. Salem had their best offensive inning in the 7th with an opening error and a Brooke Wise single put the Tigers in a prime spot to start a rally. However, Salem could not build on their momentum, and it ended up being too little too late for the Tigers. In the pitcher's circle, Kendall Lemley and Franchesca Alvaro combined for 7 strikeouts in the contest. 

While this is certainly not the start the Tigers wanted for their Florida excursion, they will have ample opportunity to get right back on track. The Tigers will compete in another pair of games tomorrow. Specifically, they will take on Dominican (NY) at 1:30 PM and then Minnesota-Crookston at 6 PM. Both contests will be played in Leesburg, Florida.