Clermont, Fla. – The Trinity College Bantams started their season with a 6/0 - 5/12 split against Manchester University and Wittenberg University in softball action today at the United States Training Center. The pair was the first two games of the season for the Bantams, who stand at 1-1 after opening day.

Trinity started their season with a four-run first inning against Manchester, drawing four walks in the opening frame to go along with an RBI single from Erica Quinones. Trinity added another run in the third on a double and run by Elizabeth McQuaid, on an RBI single by Chirstina Galese. Manchester pushed back in the second inning, scoring three runs on four-hits, and added another in the third to cut Trinity's lead to 5-4.

Manchester threatened to take the lead in the bottom of the sixth, putting two runners on, but Trinity starting pitcher Hannah King stranded them both, highlighted by a key strikeout to end the inning.

Trinity put two runners on in the seventh, but Manchester starting pitcher MacKenzie Williams responded by picking up a key double play on a head's up play by Kylie Planck to keep the game in reach. Manchester gave Trinity a scare in the bottom of the frame, as Williams tagged a two-out RBI double to left to cut the score to 6-5. Seanna Redman stepped to the plate for a two-out pinch hit, sending a pitch deep down the left field line, which looked like it might tie the game. Trinity players and fans held their breath, but the ball was called foul, coming within inches of fair territory. The close call gave King another chance, and she took advantage by picking up another clutch strikeout to end the game.

McQuaid finished with two hits in the game to lead the Trinity offense, while Shannon Stephan went 3-3 for Manchester. King and Williams both picked up complete games on the mound.

In Game Two, Wittenberg got out to a fast start, posting four runs before Trinity had a chance to bat. In the bottom of the first, McQuaid reached base before Christina Galese hit a sharp liner ticketed to center field, but shortstop Loren Combs made a diving stab, and doubled off McQuaid at first. Batting with two outs and no runners on base, instead of two runners on base and no outs, Abby Ostrom doubled deep to right, before Rachel Ross picked up a key out to end the inning and end Trinity's chance at picking up any momentum in the game.

Wittenberg added another run in the second, and unleashed in the fourth inning, posting six runs in the frame, including a two-RBI double from Kaitie Harrison and a bases-clearing double from Abby Baker. Wittenburg added another in the fifth, capping a strong day on the diamond, and handing Trinity an innings-shortened 12-0 loss. Harrison and Baker recorded two hits and three RBI apiece in the game, combining for two doubles and a triple. Ross finished the game with four shutout innings and four strikeouts.