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CLERMONT, Fla. - Sam Cole threw five solid innings of work and she was backed by a three-run fourth inning as the Davenport softball team opened its portion of the NTC Spring Games in Florida with a 7-2 win over Alma College Sunday morning.
 
Davenport (2-2-1) was slated to play St. Thomas following its game against the Scots (0-1), but Mother Nature paid a visit to the NTC Complex on two occasions and delivered showers to have the game postponed. No makeup date has been announced. The Panthers will return to the NTC Complex Monday to play Wilmington (Del.) in a doubleheader with first pitch at 9 a.m.
 
During her five-inning outing, Cole (2-1) allowed one run, six hits but didn't walk anyone and punched out five batters. Ashleigh Blovsky continues to carry a hot bat as she went 2-for-4 with three RBI, including a solo shot. Alexis Powell also had a strong performance at the plate as she produced two hits, including a double, and a walk.
 
The Panthers bats came alive right away in the first inning against the Scots. With one out, Amber Getty through the right side and advance to second on a throwing error by the right fielder. The Panthers did serious damage when back-to-back RBI doubles by Paige Sant'Angelo and Ashleigh Blovsky put the Panthers ahead of Scots 2-0.
 
Although she allowed a game-opening single, Cole retired six straight batters but had a hiccup in the third inning. The Scots found a bit of momentum when a leadoff double followed by a one-out RBI single put them on the board.
 
Davenport's offense would add on to its lead in the fourth inning. Alexis Powell and Sarah Schneidenbach led off the frame with back-to-back singles and a passed ball moved both runners into scoring position. Maegan Jenkins attempted a squeeze play as she laid down a bunt to the pitcher Samantha Pie (0-1), but pinch runner Kelly DuCharme beat the throw home for the third run. Davenport took advantage of Alma's mistakes as Getty hit a grounder to second base but the throw slipped by the first baseman, allowing Jenkins to score from second.
 
The Scots tried to get a big rally going in the seventh inning using a one-out single, a stolen base, a passed ball and a RBI single to bring their second run in, but Kyleigh Linebaugh overcame the shower arriving to Clermont and secured the Panthers victory.
 
Post-Game Quotes – Head coach Ronda Varnesdeel
On the team's offensive performance – “We came out and had some discipline at-bats. I think we were patient at the plate, waiting for a pitch that we can drive through the infield, and in the end it produced solid results.”
 
On Sam Cole's outing – “Sam has been fearless so far this year. We'll continue to go with her and there will be a lot of pressure on her shoulders as we progress through the season. I think she is really hitting her stride and it's exciting for us.”
 
Post-Game Notes
Davenport continues to be successful in Florida as it improves to 31-12 in four seasons playing in the Sunshine State…Ashleigh Blovsky continues to bring power to the Panthers as she hit her third home run in five games…Davenport improves to 2-0 all-time against Alma.
 
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