The New York University softball team opened its 2017 season by splitting a doubleheader with Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham on Sunday, March 5, at Bahoshy Field in the Bronx, NY.

The Violets won the first game 20-4 in five innings and dropped the nitecap 11-9.

NYU recorded 18 hits in the opener. After neither team scored in the first inning, the Violets pushed two across in the second and nine each in the third and fourth. The Devils (0-2) scored all four of their runs in the top of the fifth inning.

Karissa Zubulake picked up the victory on the mound, allowing only two hits while striking out six. Only two of the Devils' runs were earned.

NYU's offensive barrage was led by clean-up hitter, shortstop Dakota Damiani, who went 3-for-4 with five RBIs and three runs scored. Third baseman Molly Webber had two hits and drove in four runs, while right fielder Ashley Mains had two doubles and scored three times. 

"It was good to see such great offensive production coming right out of the gate," said Head Coach Now-Allah James. "We got the chance to see many of our players have the opportunity to contribute."

The second contest contained more drama. After the Violets scored single runs in each of the first three innings, FDU-Florham strung together three hits and two walks in the fourth to cut its deficit to 3-2. 

The Devils then produced an eight-run fifth to seemingly take an insurmountable 10-3 lead.

However, NYU rallied for five in the bottom of the frame to pull with 10-8. The big hit was a glad slam by left fielder Claire Stefanelli. 

That was as close as the Violet could get, as both teams each added a run for the final score.

"We had one really bad inning and it cost us," James explained. "Now we move on to Florida where we'll get a chance to play a lot of games and really get the experience of everyone playing together."

INSIDE THE BOX SCORES:

Game 1

- First baseman Cassi Parulis has two hits, scored two runs and added a RBI.

- Diana King also scored two runs.

- Sage Scheiwiller also had two hits.

Game 2

-  Stefanelli finished with three hits and six RBIs.

- Caroline Saccacio recorded two hits.

- Webber and Marisa Bella each had a RBI.

The Violets return to the field when they travel to Florida for six games during Spring Break. NYU's first opponent will be Hamilton College on Monday, March 13, in Leesburg, FL. First pitch is set for 10:30 am.