CLERMONT, Fla. – The Capital University softball team started its 2014 season Monday with a pair of victories over Alma (Mich.) on the first day of its spring break trip at the National Training Center (NTC) Softball Complex.

Junior pitcher Brooke Billings (Clyde, Ohio) allowed just three hits and sophomore third baseman Katlyn Simpson (Loudonville, Ohio) delivered a two-out double with the bases loaded to help the Crusaders (2-0 overall) take the opener by a 3-0 score.

In the second game, Capital mashed out 11 hits and junior pitcher Alyssa Patznick (Newark, Ohio) went the distance as the team finished its sweep of the Scots (2-2) with a 7-1 triumph.

In Game 1, the Crusaders left runners on base in each of their first four at-bats, but Billings kept Alma at bay, allowing just one runner in scoring position over the first six frames.

In the bottom of the sixth, sophomore catcher Sarah Nist (North Canton, Ohio) drew a one-out walk, and sophomore shortstop Therese Becker (South Euclid, Ohio) followed by reaching on an error as freshman Sarah Jasinski (Englewood, Ohio), pinch running for Nist, advanced to third. With runners on second and third and two outs, freshman pinch hitter Marisa Koss (Ostrander, Ohio) drew a walk to load the bases. Simpson then knocked a sharp line drive to the gap in left center, plating all three runners to give Capital the lead.

Billings retired three of four hitters in the top of the seventh to preserve her first win and shutout of the year.

In the second game, the Crusaders broke a 1-1 tie with six runs in the top of the seventh. Becker started the rally with a line drive single to center before freshman designated player Kat Boyer (Huber Heights, Ohio) walked. Sophomore Ashley Knowles (Canton, Ohio) then posted a bunt single, with Becker scoring on a throwing error.

Freshman Jessica Robinson (Beavercreek, Ohio) and junior Emma Caputo (Columbus, Ohio), each pinch hitting, each delivered with two-run hits to make it 5-1. Nist and junior first baseman Maura Rose (Williamsport, Pa.) followed with run-scoring hits to extend the advantage.

Patznick, who didn't allow a hit until there were two outs in the fourth, surrendered just three hits and struck out six to pick up the complete-game win.

Nist finished 3-for-4 with a run and two RBIs, while Becker was 2-for-4 with a run scored in the contest. Eight different players registered hits in the affair for Capital.

The Crusaders resume action in Florida tomorrow against NAIA schools Davenport (Mich.) and Michigan-Dearborn. Games begin at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively, at NTC Softball Complex.