The Southwestern Spartan softball team looked to the South for warmer weather, but found a starting lineup with bats that were on fire. The Spartans took on East Central College to kick their season off. 

 "You never know what that first game is going to be like," says head coach Nick Weinmeister, "especially after being in the gym for four months. Our bats came out hot from the first pitch and we capitalized on the bases."

The Spartans were led by Sophomore Ali Enright going 2/2 with a homerun and a two-run single. Freshman Grace Cotton, in her first collegiate appearance, also went 2/2 with a walk and an RBI.

The Spartans walked away with a victory in game one 15-6.

In game two, the Spartans took on North Arkansas College and again came out victorious 18-7. The Spartans were leg again by Cotton going 3/3 and driving in four runs. Sophomore Paige Shwaluk went 2/3 with 3 RBI's and one run scored. Freshman, Maci Dejong went 1/1 with an RBI double.

"We talk a lot about starting fast and bringing energy right away, says assistant coach Casey-May Huff. "We came out offensively and put up nine runs in the first inning which helps out the starting pitcher and gives our entire lineup that extra confidence. With us not playing for almost a full calendar year , there's not much more we could ask for."