Northfield, Minn. – The Crown softball team and new head coach Ashlyn Englehorn opened their 2022 campaign on Saturday with a double-header against MIAC opponent Carleton.  The Knights used a dominant pitching performance in game one and an explosion of offense in game two to sweep the Storm.

Crown faced a tough pitcher in game one as Faith Hanshaw of Carleton threw a one-hitter to blank Crown in the opening game of the season.  Lindsay Glover singled for the Storm and Maliya Martinez walked and stole a base.

Game two got off to an incredible start as Crown put up four runs in the top of the first to take the early lead.  After two quick outs to start the frame, Maria Lilienthal doubled and then Abbey Underdahl walked.  Kiara Hurt then singled, loading the bases for Thiery Zachary.  The senior, fresh off basketball season and playing only her second collegiate game hit a grand slam, clearing the bases and staking Crown to the early lead. 

Unfortunately, the rest of game two didn't go the way of the visitors as Carleton scored 20 unanswered runs for the convincing win.

Crown will continue their non-conference schedule next weekend with double-headers against Augsburg and Edgewood in Minneapolis.