Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 CLERMONT, Fla. – Powered by a pair of solid efforts in the circle from juniors Felicia Bua and Jen Bach, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) softball team claimed victory over Wisconsin-Lutheran College, 9-3, and Bethel College, 6-1, to wrap up its Florida spring trip. The Engineers, who have now won three straight contests, improve to 5-6 overall.

In game one, Bua (Gilford, NH/Gilford) picked up the victory, pitching all 7.0 innings, while allowing just three runs (1 earned) on three hits. She also recorded 12 strikeouts.

The Engineers offense got things going early as they built up a 7-0 lead after the first three innings of play. Leading the way at the plate was Bach (Lansdale, PA/Gwynedd Mercy Academy), who was 2 for 4, including a double and a homerun. She also had three runs batted in and two runs scored. Freshman Caitlin McGivern (Bethlehem, PA/Notre Dame) also had a solid effort, going 2 for 3 with three RBI and a pair of runs scored.

For Wisconsin-Lutheran, freshman Kayla Peterson (Lewiston, MN/Lewiston-Altura) allowed six runs, all earned through two innings. Senior Jenny Boelk (Fond du Lac, WI/Winnebago Lutheran) came on in relief in the third innings, allowing three runs.

Wisc.-Lutheran 0-1-0-0-2-0-0 -- 3-3-4
Rensselaer 0-3-4-0-2-0-x -- 9-10-2

Game two saw Rensselaer once again jump out early offensively, going up 5-1 after two innings. Senior captain Becky Bailey (Rome, NY/Holland-Patent) was 3 for 4 in the game with a run scored, while sophomore Kelly Erkert (Burlington, NJ/Burlington Township) was 2 for 4 with a pair of doubles and two runs scored. In the circle, Bach threw a complete game, allowing just one run on three hits with four strikeouts.

Bethel saw senior Nea Harkness (Winthrop, MN/GFW) battle through three and two-thirds innings before giving way to classmate Charitey Rowden (Shellsburg, IA/Vinton-Shellsburg), who came in for the remaining two and a third innings. Harkness gave up all six runs (5 earned).

Bethel 0-1-0-0-0-0-0 -- 1-3-4
Rensselaer 3-2-0-1-0-0-x -- 6-10-2

The Engineers return to action on March 26 when they travel to Alfred University for a 5pm doubleheader with the Saxons at 5pm. RPI faces Ithaca College the next day for a twinbill (1pm).