BRIDGEPORT, West Virginia - Although blustery conditions blanketed north central West Virginia all weekend, the Salem Tigers softball team under the direction of Steve Potts braved the frigid temperatures to host their annual Regional Roundup event at The Bridge Sports Complex. It was a banner event for the Tigers as they secured wins over Bluefield State, Lincoln, and Indiana (PA). Each contest played out as follows:
Salem 12, Bluefield State 1
In the first contest of the event on Friday, Salem uncorked a huge offensive performance. The star performance in the contest was Kaydee Anderson's 2 triples that resulted in a total of 4 runs batted in. Jazmyn Moetului was not far behind her as she went three for three on the day with a double, 2 singles, and a stolen base. In the circle, Kendall Lemley had a strong season debut with 5 strikeouts in 5 innings of work while allowing just 4 hits.
Salem 10, Lincoln 1
On Saturday, Salem took on another CIAA foe in the Lincoln Lions. Much like Game 1, it was another strong day of offense for the Tigers. Salem took control in the first when three straight opening singles allowed Kylie Zinn to bring Bella Ortiz and Kaydee Anderson home to make it 2-0. Lincoln responded with a run of their own later in the 4th. Then, Salem put the pedal to the metal with 8 runs in the 5th and 6th innings. Offensively, the leader for Salem was Karmen Hogan who went 2 for 3 on the day and brought in 3 runs batted in. Kylie Zinn also added 3 RBIs on 2 hits in the contest. In the pitcher's circle, Brooke Wise earned the win on 6 innings of work where she struck out 5 Lions' batters.
Salem 3, Indiana (PA) 0
After dropping temperatures caused the cancelation of Salem's third game of the event against Malone on Saturday night, Salem got back on the field on Sunday afternoon against the Crimson Hawks of Indiana (PA). It was a tight game throughout, but the Tigers got things going in the second when Jazmyn Moetului singled to open the inning. Brooke Wise then homered to bring her home to make the score 2-0. Salem added to the slim lead in the 3rd when a Bella Ortiz single brought home Kaydee Anderson. From there, Salem leaned on their pitching and defense to seal the 3-0 shutout win. In the pitching circle, Kendall Lemley added her second win of the season and the weekend with her complete game shutout performance that included punching out 3 Crimson Hawk batters.
Energized by the weekend home sweep, Salem will be looking for more in their next contest. That contest will be against Sioux Falls on March 5th as the first contest in Salem's 6 game tenure at The Spring Games in Auburndale, Florida.
