SALKEHATCHIE, S.C.–The Monroe University Mustangs softball team (2-0 overall) opened the 2026 campaign with a pair of wins by scores of 9-0 and 2-0 against USC Salkehatchie (0-2 overall) on Friday afternoon.

HOW IT HAPPENED (Game 1)

·      In the top of the first inning, the Mustangs got a pair of runners on base courtesy Reese Surratt, who got hit by a pitch, and a walk by Kerris Johnson.

·      Then a bunt single by Richeilys Rodriguez would load the bases for Lizbeth Zambrono who ripped a single to center field, scoring in both Johnson and Surratt to put the Mustangs ahead 2-0.

·      Later in the inning, a double to center field by Victoria Anderson led to Rodriguez scoring to put the Mustangs ahead 3-0 after one.

·      Four scoreless innings later, Zambrano would tally a single to the shortstop, scoring Johnson from second base to put the Mustangs ahead 4-0.

·      Then McKenzie Willams and Veronika Anderson smoked back-to-back home-runs to put the Mustangs ahead 7-0 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning.

·      In the top of the sixth inning, Alexis Ortiz led off the inning with a single to the third baseman.

·      Then Surratt followed with a single of her own to the shortstop, putting runners on first and second. Shortly after, Johnson launched a triple to center field, scoring Ortiz and Surratt to secure the 9-0 victory.

Game 2

·      In the top of the second inning, Williams fired her second home-run of the doubleheader to put the Mustangs ahead 1-0.

·      After USC Salkehatchie held the Mustangs scoreless through four more innings, a line drive to left field by Richeilys Rodriguez scored Zambrano from second base to secure the 2-0 victory.

STATS AND NOTES

·      Jaleila Aupont pitched a flawless six innings to capture her first win of the season, allowing just two hits and striking out 15 batters in game one.

·      In game one, Williams and Anderson each tallied their second career home-runs.

·      The Mustangs' pair of wins evens out the career series record to go 3-3 between the Mustangs and USC Salkehatchie.

·      Sophia Davis started the game for the Mustangs in game two, going 3.1 innings and striking out three batters and allowing just two hits.

·      Kelsea Bauer finished the game for the Mustangs in game two, going 3.2 innings, allowing just four hits and striking out three batters.

UP NEXT

·      The Mustangs return to action on Sunday, February 8 when they stay in South Carolina to face USC Union for a double-header beginning at 12:00 p.m.

ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE UNIVERSITY

The athletic program at Monroe University encompasses a total of 26 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as the Monroe University marching band, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has seven teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level.
 
For more information about the Monroe Mustangs, please visit us at www.MonroeUMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe Mustangs Athletics), Twitter (@MonroeMustangs) and Instagram (@monroemustangs).