ALBANY, Ga. – The Benedict College softball team opened the 2021 season with a strong offensive outburst, sweeping a double-header from Albany State on Saturday.

Freshman Deneisha Wooten had an impressive debut for the Lady Tigers, hitting two solo home runs in the first game for an 11-0 victory, and then added a two-run homer in the second game as Benedict took a 16-10 victory.

Benedict won the first game 11-0 thanks to a seven-run seventh inning. Chesney Miller had a two-run double, and Rainah Khan added a two-run single. Deyonce Lewis had an RBI single, and Taylor McNeal and Brianna Crosby both drew bases-loaded walks.

Zanila Booker opened the game with an RBI double in the first inning. McNeal had an RBI single in the second inning. Wooten's homers came in the third and fifth innings.

Lewis pitched the entire first game and held Albany State to five hits.

In the second game, Benedict rallied with a seven-run sixth inning for the 16-10 victory. Daisha Mitchell hit a bases-loaded single to score a run and tie the game at 10-10. McNeal followed with a three-run triple and later scored on a passed ball. Wooten hit her third homer of the day, a two-run shot to make it 16-10.

NcNeal went 5-for-6 with three RBIs in the second game. Chesney Miller went 3-for-4 with a pair of RBIs. Lewis came in relief and picked up the pitching win.

Albany State falls to 0-4 on the season.

Benedict is back in action next weekend with a pair of doubleheaders against Clark Atlanta on Saturday and Sunday for their home opener.