OXFORD, Miss.-Senior Allison Shepperd, junior Caitlin Cavarra and sophomore Katie Matthews each belted home runs, while junior right-hander Sara Dornelas went the distance as the Centenary softball team picked up a 4-2 win on the final day of the Red & Blue Classic hosted by Ole Miss.
The Ladies improved to 4-6 on the season with their second win over Murray State in the tournament. Centenary used eight hits, six of which were extra base knocks.
Centenary spotted the Racers one run in the top of the first on a lead off single and a double. However, it didn't take the Ladies long to respond as Shepperd cranked the first blast of the day, a two-run shot that plated junior Bonnie Matak, who had reached on a double to right field.
Cavarra would add another run in the latter part of third when she sent a solo shot over the left field wall for a 3-1 advantage.
Despite a lead off walk by Centenary in the third, the Ladies were held scoreless through the third and fourth frames.
Though, after a Centenary groundout, Matthews homered in the fifth to propel the Ladies to a 4-1 lead.
Dornelas stayed solid, shutting down Murray State for four straight innings before allowing the Racers to garner their second run on a solo shot.
Centenary was led offensively by sophomore Kalyn Harris with two hits, while Shepperd (1x3, R, RBI), Matthews (1x2, R, RBI) and Cavarra (1x3, R, RBI) each drove in a run on a home run.
Also picking up hits for the Ladies were Dornelas (1x2), Matak (1x3, R) and senior Haley Bassett (1x4).
Dornelas (7.0,4,2,2,3,4) earned the win, after throwing a complete game, while surrendering two runs on four hits with four strikeouts.
"Sara [Dornelas] has really stepped up this week as our leading pitcher. The offense showed a lot of improvement and we are getting better each game," said head coach Mark Montgomery.
Centenary will host Grambling State in its home opener on Tuesday beginning at 6:00 pm.
