El PASO, TEXAS --  First-year Western Michigan University softball head coach Marlee Wilson and the Broncos split their season-opening doubleheader at the UTEP Memorial Tournament Friday. In game one, the Brown and Gold defeated Abilene Christian University 10-1 behind 10 team hits and 10 strikeouts from pitcher Rissa Bajusz. In game two, the Brown and Gold fell to the University of Texas at El Paso 5-1. 

GAME ONE 

The Brown and Gold opened up their scoring early against ACU during the top of the first inning Friday.  Haley Boxwell would fly out to score Riley Dittmar in the first, while in the second, Cassidy Brendtke would double and score Haleigh Smith, to improve the Bronco lead to 2-0. 

After a standstill in the second and third innings, WMU would capitalize on a single from Taylor Garey and a double from Brendtke, to advance their lead to 3-0 in the top of the fourth. The Broncos would close out the inning with yet another run after Dittmar singled to left field and drove in Brendtke. 

The Broncos would eventually lead 6-0 after five and a half innings played during game one Friday. In the top half of the inning, Smith would walk and Brendtke would find her way to base to bring Taylor Wolfe up to the plate. In turn, Wolfe singled and scored Smith and pinch runner Addison Hudson.

After conceding one run in the bottom of the fifth, the Brown and Gold closed out the game by scoring four runs in the top of the sixth Friday. With no outs in the inning, Bajusz doubled to right field and advanced to third after driving in Welsh, Megan Malartsik, and Kelly. 

In the top of the sixth, Bajusz would conclude game one by forcing ACU into a pop up, ground out, and fly out to capture WMU's first win of the season. 

"It was a great win with a great group- we are hungry for more! I won't ever forget it." Said Wilson, following WMU's game one victory.  

GAME TWO 

During their second game Friday, the Brown and Gold were limited to two hits and one run scored versus UTEP. Trailing 4-0 in the top of the sixth, Kelly would jumpstart the Bronco offense by doubling down the infield line. Following Kelly's double, Bajusz would ground out to advance Kelly to third base with only one out in the inning. The Broncos would score their first and only run of game two after Boxwell drove in Kelly after grounding out.

Following the Broncos lone run during the top of the sixth, UTEP would respond and conclude the game by adding on an additional run in the bottom half of the inning. 

"I loved the excitement and energy that we came out with today. There is a lot to celebrate and keep working toward. We look forward to competing again tomorrow and working to be the best version of WMU Softball." Concluded Wilson. 
 
Historical Notes

The softball team's 10 runs versus ACU marked the most runs scored by WMU in a season opener since 2010. 

Up Next

The Brown and Gold will play UTEP at 1:05 PM ET on ESPN+ and Monmouth University at 7:00 PM ET on YouTube.