PEMBROKE, N.C. – The Davis & Elkins College softball team wrapped up play at the UNCP Invitational over the weekend, securing two wins in five games against stiff competition, including a tough Kutztown squad that is receiving votes in the national rankings.

The Senators opened the tournament with a commanding 13-8 victory over Felician on Friday. Senior Lina Gutierrez was electric at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two walks and three stolen bases, while Ashlyn Zapach delivered a strong performance, driving in multiple runs (2-for-3, 2 RBIs, 1 double). Outfielder Gutierrez, a native of Phoenix, missed all of last season with an injury. Her presence back in the lineup is a welcome addition, adding offense along with speed on the bases, as well as solid defense in center field.

D&E battled against Kutztown twice but fell in both matchups. In Saturday's contest, the Senators put up a fight, scoring seven runs on 11 hits, with Gutierrez scoring twice and Zapach collecting three hits and four RBIs, including a double. However, Kutztown's powerful offense proved too much in an 8-2 loss on Sunday.

The Senators bounced back in their tournament finale, defeating UNC Pembroke 7-1 behind a 15-hit explosion. Gutierrez continued her standout weekend, going 2-for-4 with a triple, an RBI, and a stolen base, while Zapach added another solid game at the plate, going 3-for-4 with an RBI and a double. Senior shortstop Lilly Saucedo went 2-for-4 at the plate, with two RBI, and freshman Meg Henkle had a breakout day, going 3-for-4 with an RBI double.

On the weekend, Zapach batted .588 (10-for-17), with a slugging percentage of .824, four doubles and nine RBI. Gutierrez was a perfect 5-for-5 in stolen base attempts, keeping the opposition on their toes.

Pitching Performances

The D&E pitching staff had a rollercoaster weekend:

• Sammie Jarvis picked up a win against UNC Pembroke, delivering a complete game, allowing just four hits, one run, and striking out seven.
• Saylor Kneeland had a solid start against Felician, throwing three innings while striking out three and only allowing one hit until the start of the fourth inning.
• The staff struggled at times against Kutztown's bats, surrendering 15 runs on 18 hits in Saturday's loss.

Up Next

With the first tournament of the season in the books, the squad sets its sights on next weekend's Bear Bash at #4 Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C., where they'll look to build on their early-season momentum.