LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. --- George Fox softball kicked off its 2022 campaign with a sweep of Covenant College (Ga.) on the road after outscoring the Scots 13-1 in a pair of seven-inning games.

Game One

Ashely Davis, the reigning NWC Pitcher of the Year, returned to form with a complete-game shutout of the Scots in game one, striking out six without issuing a walk in the win.

Fox supported their senior hurler with five runs scattered throughout the game. The Bruins got it going first in the second inning with leadoff single from Sydney Sandifer, a hit-by-pitch for Allisa Yabumoto, and RBIs from Kimberly Pulido and Brooke Riggins to earn a 2-0 lead.

As Davis continued to keep the pressure on in the circle, Fox plated two more in the top of the sixth. Claire Fountain got aboard on an error and cruised in from first on a double into the gap from Katie Ladd. Ladd was chased in after Pulido beat out a throw for an RBI infield single to make it 4-0. Emma Classen lifted a pitch on a 2-1 count in the seventh to the gap for a triple, and the speedster beat the throw home after Kamryn Potter knocked a fielder's choice to second in the following at-bat for a 5-0 final score.

Game Two

Emma Eastman took the circle and followed Davis' complete-game shutout with a full seven innings herself, fanning nine and allowing just one run on a solo shot late in the game.

Once again, the Bruins struck first with a leadoff walk and a stolen base by Classen, coupled with a double from Sandifer for a 1-0 lead in the first. An explosive second inning featured a three-run home run for Sharon Tomei and RBI singles from Potter and Sandifer to make it 6-0.

The game was never in doubt from that point on. Covenant got on the board for the first time in the series with a solo shot in the sixth, but Fox answered with two insurance runs in the seventh. Ladd doubled, Pulido singled and stole second, and Classen hit a two-RBI single and stalled for time on the basepath to plate both before the Scots caught her in a run-down to end the inning.

Top Performances

The Bruins' defense and pitching combined to allow just one run - a solo shot - in 14 innings, and Davis combined with Eastman to retire 15 Scots via strikeout. As a team, Fox produced six extra-base hits and created chaos on the basepaths with six stolen bases.

At the plate, Pulido had a career day with a 5-7 performance (.714), a run scored, and two RBI to go with three stolen bases. Tomei's blast in game two is her first collegiate homer and gave her a team-high three RBI on the day, and Classen topped her team in slugging with a double, a triple, and an .857 SLG%.

Coach's Thoughts

"I thought we competed well, our pitchers were sharp and offensively we put up some runs while getting our feet under us," coach Jessica Hollen said after day one.

What It Means

The Bruins are 2-0 on the year after dominant day one in 2022.

Up Next

Fox finishes its four-game set against the Scots on Friday, Feb. 18, with a doubleheader beginning at 11 AM PT/2 PM local. The games have been moved to accommodate for inclement weather in the Thursday forecast.