Terrapins softball coach Julie Wright said she expected big things from her team this season, but acknowledged it would take some time.
The Terps looked outmatched in a 9-1 defeat to Boston College in their season opening game on Friday morning in the Kajikawa Classic. But led by strong showings by program veterans pitcher Hannah Dewey and infielder Lindsey Schmeiser, along with a huge performance at the plate from sophomore infielder Skylynne Ellazar, the team fought from behind to beat Boise State 9-4 in the afternoon.
Four consecutive Boise State hitters reached base to start the second game and the Broncos took a 2-0 first inning advantage. Dewey settled in, though, throwing four straight shutout frames to keep the team afloat.
The Terps offense responded with 12 hits and nine runs.
A bunt single from Ellazar cut the Boise State lead to 2-1 in the second inning, and Dewey tied the game with a hit the following inning. Two batters later, catcher Kristina Dillard added a two out, two-run single to give the Terps a 4-2 advantage.
Dillard, who picked off two Broncos baserunners, went 1-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs.
Schmeiser and infielder Corey Schwartz, who patrol the middle of the infield, drove in a combined three runs in the fourth to make it 7-2, and Ellazar continued her stellar performance with a solo home run the next frame.
Both Ellazar and sophomore outfielder Destiney Henderson went 3-for-3 against Boise State, giving the Terps an offensive boost from the bottom half of the order.
Dewey allowed a couple of runs late, but limited the damage to earn her first win of the season. Brenna Nation retired all three batters she faced.
Wright didn’t anticipate immediate success, and the blowout loss to Boston College showed the team is still a work in progress. But she was still able to walk away from her first day with the Terps with the win.
