The Washington Demons split a softball doubleheader last night against Cardinal in their first home games of the season. Washington took Game One 10-3 but fell 7-4 in the second.

The Demons responded to an early deficit by scoring in the first inning of Game One to tie things up, then took the lead with another run in the second. After scoring twice more in the fourth and once in the fifth, Washington saw Cardinal cut their 5-1 lead in half, but scoring five runs in the sixth allowed the Demons to seize control for good.

Alyvia Anderson had a huge game at the plate for Washington, coming up with four hits in as many at-bats. The junior had a double and three runs batted in while also scoring twice.

Bella Salazar came up with three hits for the Demons, while fellow junior Ella Greiner and senior Rylee Libe had two hits and one runs scored each. Bella Salazar also got the pitching victory by throwing a complete game, allowing only two earned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out six.

Washington fell behind in the second game after Cardinal’s Maclain Hickenbottom hit a two-run home run in the second inning. The Demons tied the game up at two in the bottom half of the second, but the Comets took the lead back in the third and never gave it back.

Freshman Colbie Greiner hit two doubles and had an RBI for Washington, while Bella Salazar scored twice. The Demons start the season with a record of 2-1 and will next take the diamond Tuesday when they start Southeast Conference play by traveling to face Mount Pleasant.