CLERMONT, Fla.- The Caldwell University Softball team picked up a pair of victories on day three of their Florida trip as they defeated Franklin Pierce University and Slippery Rock University. The Cougars even their record at 3-3 on the season. The Ravens fall to 0-1, while the Rock falls to 1-5.
 
Caldwell used a nine-run first inning to pace their win over Franklin Pierce. Sophomores Hannah Polak (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) and Carly Testa (Sicklerville, N.J.) along with junior Katelyn Johnson (Denville, N.J.) each had two run singles in the innings. Freshman Melissa Rini (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) ripped a two-run double in the inning to help Caldwell built a 9-0 lead.
 
Senior Lauren Frye (Jupiter, Fla.) drove in a run in second inning with a single, while senior Amy Hickman (Jackson, N.J.) tripled home a run in the inning.
 
Senior Sydney Ponto (West Deptford, N.J.) started and struck all three batters she faced in one inning of work. Sophomore Alexa Toner (Mt. Laurel, N.J.) earned the win in relief as she tossed two innings, allowing two hits and one run. Freshman Sara Bearden (Ewing, N.J.) pitched two scoreless innings to close out the game.
 
In the win against Slippery Rock, Ponto tossed a shutout to improve to 3-1 on the season. She allowed seven hits and struck out two.
 
Caldwell struck in the second inning as the Cougars scored the first run on a fielder's choice. The Cougars added two in the third inning as Rini led off with a triple. Testa hit a sacrifice fly to score Rini with the second run of the game. Freshman Jessie Johnston (Livermore, Calif.) added an RBI single in the inning to add an insurance run.
 
The Cougars continue their Florida trip as they take on the University of Sioux Falls on Sunday, March 12 at 8 am.