ELON, NC – The IUPUI softball team kicked off their season with two games today in Elon, NC. The Jags dropped the first game 9-0 in five innings against Saint Francis (Pa.) and lost their second game of the day to Elon, 5-2. Jordan Barnes and freshman Kendal Calvert each recorded two hits on the day.
 
IUPUI (0-2) lost game one in run rule fashion after the Saint Francis (1-0) Red Flash took an early 3-0 lead in the first inning. The Jags threatened in the bottom of the first with runners at second and third after walks to Morgan Gilbert and Kendal Calvert followed by a SAC bunt from Rachael Gregory, but IUPUI couldn't push the run across.
 
Saint Francis tacked on another run in the top of the second inning and pushed in five runs in the top of the fourth to seal the score at 9-0. Kendal Calvert, Racheal Gregory and Jordan Barnes each recorded a hit while Morgan Gilbert earned her first stolen base of the season. Carly Metcalf took the loss on the mound for IUPUI.
 
In game two, Madison Bryant threw a complete game recording six strikeouts but ultimately took the loss. The Elon offense came out swinging and took an early four run lead in the bottom of the first, but the Jaguar pitching shut the Phoenix offense down only allowing one more run in the following five innings of work.
 
IUPUI threatened in the top of the third inning with back-to-back doubles from sophomore Gilbert and freshman Kendal Calvert. Kendal then stole third to put her within 60 feet for Barnes. Barnes singled down the right field line to score Kendal and give the Jags their second and last run of the game as the Phoenix would go on to win 5-2. Gilbert, Kendal Calvert and Barnes each recorded a hit in the loss.
 
The weekend trip continues tomorrow as the Jaguars face Elon again at 12:00 PM, then they will take on Appalachian State at 5:00 PM.