Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

LANCASTER, Pa. – Opening up Centennial Conference play Franklin & Marshall split a softball double header with Washington Saturday afternoon. The Shorewomen took game one by a score of 8-4, but the Diplomats rallied to earn a 5-3 decision in game two of the home opener. F&M improved to 1-3, 1-1 CC on the year and Washington now sits at 6-4, 1-1 CC.

Game one started out as a run-for-run match-up, with the clubs tied 4-4 after two frames. Caitlin Elfring smashed a double to center field in the first to send home Megan Pauley and Danielle Murphy to get the Diplomats on the board.

Washington put itself on top in the third after Margaret Rohde doubled and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Rohde was plated by Shaelan Nottingham. The fourth inning stood score-less for both squads.

In the top of the fifth the Shorewomen tallied three runs off of four hits to claim the victory. Meaghan Kimme earned the win and improved to 3-1 on the season. Kimme allowed seven hits and fanned eight batters.

Liz Chudzik took the loss for the Diplomats, falling to 0-2 on the year. She allowed 11 hits and struck out two.

Action turned out much differently in the second game. Washington took a 3-1 lead after three frames, with the Diplomats' run coming from Murphy off of a fielder's choice.

F&M answered in the fifth, however, exploding to earn three runs off of four hits. Chudzik doubled to right field to send in Karalynne Clark, followed by a single to right center from Kelly Marchisio to plate Chudzik. Sara Damato then singled down the left field line as Marchisio crossed home.

Elfring singled in the sixth and sent home Pauley to add another run on the scoreboard for the Diplomats.

Damato garnered the win, striking out and one allowing six hits, and improved to 1-1 on the year. Brittany Walter was saddled with the loss and fell to 2-3. Walter allowed nine hits and walked four.

The Diplomats host a double header against Immaculata on Tuesday, March 23. The first game is scheduled for 3 p.m.