Syracuse, N.Y. – The Le Moyne College softball team opened its home schedule with a 3-1 victory over Pace University in the first game of a three-game series on Friday afternoon at the Thomas J. Niland Athletic Complex.

Following three scoreless innings to start the game, the Dolphins struck for three runs on five hits in the fourth inning. Senior right fielder Lauren Zazzaro (Southington, Conn./Southington) opened the frame with a single to right field and moved around to third on a single down the left field line by junior pitcher Peyton Bellrose (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool), who advanced to second on a throw to third. After a groundout, Zazzaro scored on a groundout by freshman third baseman Victoria Catalano (Fairport, N.Y./Fairport). Sophomore shortstop Kaily LaForce (Binghamton, N.Y./Binghamton) followed with a single to right field to drive in freshman pinch-runner Taylor Cox (Neversink, N.Y./Tri-Valley Secondary School). Following a single by junior first baseman Taylor Artley (York Haven, Pa./Red Land), junior second baseman Jillian McManus (Kingston, N.Y./Kingston) singled up the middle to knock in LaForce.

The Setters loaded the bases in the fifth, but left the runners stranded.

Pace pushed across a run in the seventh on two hits. Pinch-hitter Lindsey Ah Soon led off with a double to right fielder. After a fly out and a groundout, left fielder Arielle Acosta singled through the left side to plate Ah Soon.

Bellrose earned her sixth win of the season after striking out four over seven innings, while yielding six hits and one run. Freshman center fielder Aubrie Williams (Kirkville, N.Y./East Syracuse-Minoa) finished the contest with three of Le Moyne's nine hits, while McManus had two hits. Kate Dolinski took the loss after giving up three runs and nine hits over six innings, while striking out five.
 
Le Moyne (10-10, 2-1 NE10, 2-1 SW) and the Setters complete the series on Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 12:00 p.m.