WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — The Husson University softball team opened its 2023 season on Saturday winning game 1 5-4 against Calvin University before dropping the opening-day finale 5-4 against the Milwaukee School of Engineering. 
 
Husson (1-1) found itself in an early 3-0 hole following unearned runs by Calvin (6-3) in the second and third inning. However, the Eagles rallied in the fourth inning scoring two runs off senior Teagan Blackie's two RBI single and took the lead when junior Katie Raymond double to right center driving in two runs. 
 
Raymond drove in her third run of the game in the sixth inning for a 5-3 edge, Raymond's insurance run proved to be the difference as the Knights scored a run in the bottom half of the inning to pull with 5-4, but Husson held on for the comeback win. 
 
Raymond finished 2-4 on the game with three RBI's while senior McKenna Smith went the distance in the circle allowing six hits and striking out seven batters while tallying two hits at the plate. 
 
In game two MSOE (7-2) took an early 1-0 advantage following an unearned run in the top of the first inning, but Husson matched the Raiders run with a run of its own to even the game 1-1. 
 
The Raiders took a 2-1 lead in the third inning on their way to scoring four runs in the inning to take a 5-1 edge. 
 
Husson mounted a late comeback scoring three runs in the fifth inning, one off a double by junior Kenzie Dore to pull within 5-4, but MSOE held on for the win. 
 
Raymond continued her impressive opening day finishes 2-4 in game 2 while freshman Morgan Curtis recorded her first collegiate hit on her way to a 2-3 performance. 
 
Freshman Danielle Masterson got the start in the circle for the Eagles pitching three innings before fellow freshman Emily Rerick entered in relief, tossing four scoreless innings allowing just one hit. 
 
Husson returns to action on Sunday for a doubleheader against the University of Mount Union and Illinois College beginning at 9 a.m.