Griffins take Lindenwood 9-1 in Game 1

St. Louis- Fontbonne University softball blew past Lindenwood University this weekend, opening up their 2014 season with two wins over the Lions. The Griffins, coming off a 34-16 season, look to advance to the NCAA Div. III Tournament for the fifth straight year.

With Co-Newcomer of the year Madi Leonard on the mound, Fontbonne got set to take on NCAA Div. II Lindenwood. Fontbonne's rough start in the first with three strikouts and a leadoff double didn't sit well. After striking out the second batter, Leonard got in a jam, walking the next two batters for the bases loaded with no outs. Leonard remained calm and focused, striking out the fifth batter and forcing a pop up for the third out to end the inning.

With the first inning behind them, the first three batters got on base with a double, walk and single to load the bases. With the next two batters getting out, a wild pitch sent Jessie Pratt home for the first run of the game.

During the third inning, senior Marisa Simon led off with a solo bomb off the Lindenwood scoreboard. The next three Griffins would strike out and Lindenwood would be held scoreless at end the third.

Fontbonne would score three runs in the fourth, two in the fifth and two in the seventh off timely hits, defeating the Lions 9-1 in game 1.

Leonard got the win, pitching five innings with five stikeouts. Senior Kourtney Von Behren returned to the mound with over a year's vacancy due to injury. Freshman Shelby Faulkner closed out the game allowing the only Lion run.

Kendall Ryndak pitched all seven innings for the Lions for her third loss of the season, allowing nine hits with five errors.