UMBC

Ashley Gray drove in the first two runs of her UMBC career on Friday.

Baltimore-Two newcomers led the way for the UMBC softball team (2-1) on the first day of the UMBC Dawg Pound Tournament, as freshman Amanda Fefel pitched a shutout in her debut on the mound and junior transfer Ashley Gray drove in two runs en route to the Retrievers’ 3-0 victory over Howard.

Fefel struck out nine batters and allowed just four hits in the complete game.

“I was very pleased with her freshman debut and I look forward to many good outings in her career,” head coach Joe French said.

Howard hurler Christina McCoy was effective as well, allowing just five UMBC hits.

The Retrievers first scored in the fourth, as center fielder Kali Shirk walked and shortstop Dana Shepherd doubled down the left field line to put runners on second and third with one out. Two batters later, Gray knocked a single up the middle to drive in both runners for her first two RBIs in a UMBC uniform.

In the fifth, Shepherd walked, stole second and came home on a double to left-center off the bat of first baseman Melanie Denischuk to account for the Retrievers’ third and final run.

Denischuk led the Retrievers with two hits in the game, while third baseman Reilly Ward also singled to account for all five UMBC hits.

The game marked the Retrievers’ home opener after three double-headers were postponed due to inclement weather. UMBC strength and conditioning coach threw out the ceremonial first pitch to get the home season started.

In the first game of the tournament, St. Francis (Pa.) defeated Bucknell, 2-1.

The Retrievers take on Bucknell on Saturday at 1 p.m., then face St. Francis at 3 p.m.

Third Annual UMBC Dawg Pound Tournament

Friday, March 9 – Pool Play
St. Francis (Pa.) 2, Bucknell 1
UMBC 3, Howard 0

Saturday March 10 – Pool Play
9 a.m. Howard vs. St. Francis (Pa.)
11 a.m. Howard vs. Bucknell
1 p.m. UMBC vs. Bucknell
3 p.m. UMBC vs. St. Francis (Pa.)

Sunday March 11 – Championship Bracket Play
9:30 a.m. 2nd Place vs. 3rd Place
11:30 a.m. 1st Place vs. 4th Place
1:30 p.m. Championship Game
3:30 p.m. Consolation Game