By Mark DeHaan

The Calvin softball team opened up the 2015 season with a pair of wins in Florida on Monday morning.

The Knights defeated Allegheny College 11-5 in a come-from-behind effort, then topped the University of Rio Grande 3-1.

In the first game against Allegheny, the Gators opened up the scoring in the top of the first with one run. Allegheny then added three more runs in the top of the third inning to take a 4-0 lead.

The Knights responded with a pair of runs as junior Lydia Gildea hit a double that brought in both runs.

After a scoreless fourth inning, Calvin's offense came to life in the bottom of the fifth inning, plating nine runs.

Freshman Kaley Frank, junior Ashley Riemersma, and sophomore Caitlin Bell all had extra base hits in the fifth inning that brought in runs for the Knights.

Calvin also took advantage of a number of wild pitches, scoring the nine runs on just four hits in the inning.

After a scoreless sixth, the Knights gave up just one run to the Gators in the seventh, closing out the 11-5 victory.

Gildea finished 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run scored to lead Calvin offensively. Bell was also 2-for-4, with one RBI and one run scored, while Riemersma was 1-for-4 with two RBI and one run scored.

Sophomore Paige Groom pitched all seven innings for Calvin, allowing four earned runs and striking out two batter to earn the win.

In Calvin's second game of the day, the Knights defeated the Red Storm of the University of Rio Grande in a game where runs were at a premium.

Calvin, however, got off to a hot start. The Knights scored two runs in the top of the first to take a 2-0 lead.

The two-run lead proved to be more than enough in the game as Calvin's pitching and defense locked down.

In the second inning, Rio Grande had a scoring opportunity but the runner was thrown out at home.

Calvin added another run in the sixth, which the Red Storm matched. But, Rio Grande could not manage to score any more runs, and the Knights claimed a 3-1 victory.

Frank finished the second game 2-for-3 with a run scored. Sophomore Maddie Teune was 2-for-3 with one RBI.

In the circle, freshman Makela Chapman went the distance, pitching all seven innings, allowing just one run and striking out five.

"Defensively we were a little shaky, being the first game of the year. But, we settled in then had some good at bats," said head coach Tim Syrek. "Both pitchers were very efficient. They worked ahead and that allowed us to play well. We're really excited because they both got their first collegiate wins today."

The Knights have two more games Tuesday, facing SUNY Fredonia and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

"We're off to a good start, but we can't celebrate too much. We have to come back tomorrow and play two more," added Syrek. "We hope it sets the tone for the season, but we have a long way to go."

With the pair of victories, Calvin begins the season 2-0.