ELON, N.C. – Behind a pair of home runs from rookie Grace Kiser, the Elon University softball team opened its 2021 campaign with a 17-1 run-rule victory over Rhode Island on Sunday, Feb. 14, at Hunt Softball Park.
 
Playing in its first softball game in 340 days, the Phoenix (1-0) posted its highest scoring output on opening day since a 15-0 victory over Winthrop in 2016. It was also the third straight win Elon has had over the Rams (0-1).
 
"We have been waiting for a long time to play this game," said Elon head coach Kathy Bocock. "The girls were ready, and they all stepped up together as a team. We were able to showcase our depth to get players some much needed time on the field because that is going to matter throughout this season."
 
At the Plate
• The Phoenix outhit the Rams at the plate, 8-5.
• Three Elon players – Kiser (2-of-4), Rebecca Murray (2-of-4) and Claudia Penny (2-of-2) ended the day with multi-hit efforts. Penny also had a pair of doubles.
• Kiser drove in six RBI to lead Elon while sophomore Megan Grant had four. Grant also legged out a triple in the contest.
• Elon drew 12 walks in the contest.
 
In the Circle
• Kenna Quinn (1-0) went the distance in the circle to earn the win for the Phoenix.
• The Boiling Springs, S.C., native allowed five hits and one run while striking out four. She also did not walk a batter.
 
The Rundown
• The Phoenix took a 4-0 lead after the bottom of the first. In her first collegiate at bat, Kiser took a two-out, 3-2 pitch to left center, scoring three runs on the round tripper. A Penny double scored another run to put Elon ahead after one.
• Elon put up a six count in its home half of the second frame. Penny was the main catalyst with another double, this time on a hit to right center, to score a pair with one out.
• After Rhode Island came back with a run to break its shutout in the top of the third, Elon responded with two runs of its own in the bottom to extend the score to 12-1 after three.
• A five-run bottom of the fourth closed out the scoring for the maroon and gold. After Elon had a pair reach to start the frame, Kiser hit her second three-run home run of the game on the first pitch she saw to put the Phoenix up 15-1. Grant rounded out the scoring on a two-RBI triple to right to extend Elon's lead and set the final score.
 
Notes
• Elon's 17 runs were the most in a single-game since scoring 13 versus Longwood last season.
• Kiser became the first Elon player to hit two home runs in a single-game since Ally Repko did so last season versus Morgan State and the first freshman to do it since Megan White versus Drexel in 2019
• Kiser also scored four runs in the game while Murray crossed the dish three times.
 
On Deck
Elon hosts Morgan State on Saturday, Feb. 20, at Hunt Softball Park. That contest is scheduled for a 4:30 p.m. start.