MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - The Norwich University softball team opened its 2019 season on Monday, splitting its pair of games vs. Fitchburg State and Clarks Summit at the Fastpitch Dreams Classic.

Norwich (1-1) dropped a 3-0 decision to Fitchburg State, while the Cadets rebounded with an 8-0 victory in six innings over Clarks Summit in the second game. 

In Game 1, senior catcher Madison Miller (Patterson, Ga.) and junior second baseman Katie Reid (Grand Canyon, Ariz.) each had two hits, while junior shortstop Makenna Wade (Saint Johns, Fla.) added one as well to lead the offense.  

Norwich loaded the bases in the top of the first with only one out, but were unable to push a run across. The Cadets threatened again in the top of the third, but were unable to score again in their best chances of the game.

Oliver went all six innings, surrenduring three runs on nine hits with two walks and four strikeouts.

Norwich's offense exploded in the second game of the day, highlighted by sophomore Madelyn Folcik (Wilmot, N.H.) hitting her first collegiate home run. Freshman Dara Kelly (Chesterfield, N.J.) went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Reid and Miller continued their hot days with two more hits in the second game to go along with two RBIs as well. 

Norwich scored two runs in the bottom of the first and the second to take a 4-0 lead. NU tacked on another in the fifth and then three more in the bottom of the sixth to push the lead to eight and complete the mercy-rule victory.

Oliver was brilliant in the circle in the second game, going all six innings for the complete game two-hitter. She also struck out seven to earn her first win of the season. 

Norwich continues its spring break trip with two more games on Tuesday when it takes on Lycoming College and Salem State at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.