OSCEOLA (Fl.) – The Delaware Valley University softball team opened the 2019 campaign in Osceola, Florida against Utica College, but fell to the Pioneers, 8-2.
 
The game was scoreless through three innings and the Aggies (0-1) were held without a hit through the first four.
 
Utica (2-1) cracked the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth when Emily Joss hit a double down the left field line that scored Hayley Fredericks and Mikayla Blumenstock to make it 2-0.
 
DelVal got one back in the bottom of the fifth as Caitlin Stoner singled to center field to score Maddy O'Donohue who was aboard with a walk.
 
In the top of the sixth, the Pioneers extended their lead to 4-1 on one hit and two errors. All four of Uitca's runs were unearned up to that point.
 
In the bottom of the frame, two Aggie rookies stepped up to pull the squad within two, 4-2. Faith Sleva led off with an infield single and two batters later Caitlyn Pollock drove her in with an RBI single. It was the first collegiate hit for each of the freshman. DelVal's threat came to an end after a line drive was caught by the third baseman and Pollock was doubled off of first.
 
Utica tacked on four more runs on four hits and one error in the seventh and it held the Aggies to just one hit in the bottom of the inning to secure the 8-2 victory.
 
Returning All-American Jamie Stefani gave up 10 hits, eight runs (two earned), while striking out four in seven innings pitched. At the dish, the senior led the way with two hits. O'Donohue worked three walks and scored one run. Stoner went 1-for-2 with a pair of walks and an RBI.
 
Nicole Rice led Utica with a 3-for-4 effort including an RBI double. Sadie Evans and Kaitlyn Paul each notched two hits and Evans drove in three runs. Joss also picked up three RBIs with one hit. Alyssa Samborin earned the win with 5.1 innings pitched, four hits, two earned runs, and seven punch outs.
 
The Aggies will have a quick turnaround as they get set to face Geneva College at 1:30 p.m. today.