HAMMOND, La. – Behind a 15-hit attack, the Hitmen took the opening game of the Southeastern Softball Fall World Series Friday morning at North Oak Park.
 
The seven-game intrasquad series opened with the Hitmen, coached by assistant coach Katie Godwin and injured senior Madison Watson, earning an 8-2 win over the Headhunters, coached by assistant coach Jack Byerley and player development and camp coordinator April Byerley.
 
The Hitmen's offensive onslaught was led by three veterans. Madisen Blackford (4-for-5, 2 runs), Lindsey Rizzo (3-for-5, 1 run, 1 RBI) and Briahna Bennett (2-for-5, 1 HR, 4 RBI).
 
The quartet of Shelby Sitzman, Anna Westberry, MC Comeaux and Alyssa Romano threw two innings apiece for the Hitmen. Westberry, who struck out a pair in two shutout innings, earned the win in the circle.
 
A true freshman was the standout for the Headhunters. Sadie Hewitt, who hails from Forney, Texas, was a perfect 5-for-5 with two doubles and two RBI. Aeriyl Mass also had two hits, as she and Kelci Bodin each scored runs. Ellie DuBois tossed two shutout innings to lead the Headhunters' pitching efforts.
 
The Hitmen struck first in the top of the third inning. Rizzo, Anna Rodenberg and Blackford recorded consecutive singles off Heather Zumo to load the bases with one out. Bennett followed with a two-run single to score Rizzo and Rodenberg. An error later in the frame allowed Blackford to score and staked the Hitmen to a 3-0 lead.
 
The pitching staffs matched zeroes until the Headhunters broke through versus Comeaux in the bottom of the sixth inning. Bodin singled, stole second and scored on a double to deep centerfield by Hewitt that cut the Hitmen lead to 3-1.
 
The Hitmen answered right back in the top of the seventh inning. Kylie Chauvin, Cameron Goodman and Rizzo all drove in runs to extend the advantage to 6-1. In the top of the eighth, Bennett launched a towering home run over the left centerfield fence. The two-run shot by the Alexandria, Louisiana native closed out the Hitmen's scoring and provided an 8-1 lead.
 
Hewitt's second RBI double of the game in the bottom of the eighth inning provided the final margin. The Headhunters would get no closer, as Romano retired DuBois for the final out.
 
The series continues with Game 2 on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 2:45 p.m. Fans can watch a free video stream using the Lions' Gameday Experience app for Android or iOS devices, the Southland Conference Digital Network app for smart TV devices (e.g. Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Android TV and Roku) or through the Southeastern Athletics website at www.LionSports.net/SSN.
 
Southeastern Softball World Series
Game 1 – Hitmen 8, Headhunters 2 – Hitmen lead series, 1-0 (Box Score)
 
HM – 003 000 32 – 8 15 0
HH – 000 001 01 – 2 10 3
Shelby Sitzman, Anna Westberry (3), MC Comeaux (5), Alyssa Romano (7) and Gina Escude, Madisen Blackford (3). Ellie DuBois, Heather Zumo (3), Sophie Hannabas (6) and Sadie Hewitt, Ellie DuBois (5), Lexi Johnson (6). W – Westberry (1-0). L – Zumo (0-1). HR – HM: Briahna Bennett (1). 2B – HM: Lindsey Rizzo (1); HH: Sadie Hewitt 2 (2), Lexi Johnson (1).
 
Wednesday, Sept. 30 – Game 2 – 2:45 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 2 – Game 3 – 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 7 – Game 4 – 2:45 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 9 – Game 5 – 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 21 – Game 6 – 2:45 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 23 – Game 7 – 10:30 a.m.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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HOME RUN CLUB / S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the softball program are encouraged to join the Home Run Club. Lady Lion softball alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners.
 
All membership fees and donations to both the Home Run Club and S Club (softball) are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern softball program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
CLEAR BAG POLICY
Southeastern Athletics instituted a clear bag policy for all ticketed events (softball, baseball, football and basketball), effective with the start of the 2018 football season. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.LionSports.net/clear.