COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict College softball team won their first game of the season, sweeping a doubleheader from Shaw University on Monday afternoon at MLK Park.

Benedict pounded out 11 hits and took advantage of six Shaw errors for a 12-1 victory that was called after five innings. Benedict scored three runs in the fourth inning to break away from a 1-1 tie and secured the doubleheader sweep.

Benedict improves to 2-1 on the season. Shaw, playing in its season opener, fell to 0-2.

In the first game, Benedict pounded out five doubles. Brianna Billie, Kelsey James, Torcealon Kelly and Erika Dargan all drove in two runs each. Kendall James picked up the win from the pitching circle, going five innings and allowing just two hits and striking out two.

In the second game, Kelsey James opened the scoring with an RBI single in the third inning. Shaw tied the game in the fourth on a solo home run by Baile Nixon. The Lady Tigers pulled ahead in the bottom of the fourth. Shark Woods led off with a walk and stole second base. She came home on a double by Cherica Pye. Billie followed with a single and Tandreanna Conyers hit a double to center field to score Pye and Billie.

Billie added an RBI triple in the sixth inning and came home on a groundout by Conyers. Conyers finished the second game with three RBIs.

Shanessa Rees picked up the win, going all seven innings, scattering nine hits and did not walk a batter.

Benedict plays its first road game on Thursday at North Greenville, starting at 1 p.m.