Behind two splendid pitching efforts, the Muhlenberg softball team split its season-opening doubleheader at Kean.

Junior Raya Kunes and sophomore Justine Bergara combined to allow only two earned runs in the twinbill against the Cougars, who were 32-10 and won two NCAA Tournament games last year. Kean took the first game, 3-1, and Muhlenberg won the second, 2-1.

Bergara pitched a gem in the nightcap, going the distance on a four-hitter for her first career seven-inning complete game. After allowing a run on three hits in the second, she slammed the door, retiring the final 15 batters she faced – 10 of them on ground balls. Bergara struck out only two batters, both in the second inning, and walked none.

The Mules got all their runs in their first at-bat after a single by junior Sophia Cicchetti, a double by junior Samantha Winegard and a four-pitch walk to junior Gillian Zack loaded the bases with one out.

Freshman Maddy Svenningsen fell behind 0-2 and took a close third pitch before topping a slow roller between third and home. Kean tried for the force at the plate, but Cicchetti easily beat the throw home.

Sophomore Ava Calabrese followed by walking on five pitches to force home Winegard with what proved to be the winning run.

In the opener, Kunes allowed just one earned run and struck out four. The Cougars plated single runs in the third, fifth and sixth.

Muhlenberg's lone run came home in the top of the sixth after freshman Scooter Hulsen legged out a two-out infield hit on a ground ball to shortstop. Cicchetti (pictured above) followed with a sharp ground ball up the middle that rolled all the way to the fence in right-center for a double, and Hulsen scooted all the way home.

Hulsen and sophomore Kaya Mahy each had a pair of hits in the first game.

Svenningsen, who older sister Kersti hit a home run on the first pitch she saw as a college player two years ago, nearly did as well, lining the first pitch she saw into center for a single.