Carmel swings into action in Alabama

Amanda Elert homered twice in the first game, Jen Giesey and Sydney Schuda combined on a no-hitter in the second, and Carmel Catholic's softball team opened its season with a pair of wins in Gulf Shores, Ala., on Monday.

The Corsairs defeated both Mt. Juliet (Tenn.) and Lee Montgomery (Ala.) by 5-1 scores.

In the opener, Elert (2-for-2) hit a pair of solo shots, including one in the first inning. The senior and Northwestern-bound Claire Petrus hit back-to-back home runs in the fifth. Petrus also earned the win, pitching 5 innings, allowing 4 hits, striking out four and walking two. Junior first baseman Karina Falkstrom and freshman third baseman Jordan Swiatkowski had back-to-back doubles in the fourth to extend the Corsairs' lead to 3-1.

In the second game, winning-pitcher Giesey struck out six over 4 innings, while the freshman Schuda threw the final two frames. Dani DeLozier went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI for Carmel. Petrus was 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI as well.

Antioch 17, Johnsburg 1: Ashley Stephens homered twice, doubled and finished 3-for-4 with 5 RBI, as the host Sequoits won the nonconference game in five innings.

Antioch (3-1) also got home runs from Jill Foote (2-for-4), Carlie Gaylord (3-for-4, 4 RBI) and Megan Lawrence. Gaylord and Piper Foote also had doubles. Annie Wagner went 2-for-3.

Stephanie Bonaguidi pitched 3 innings for the win. She, Hannah Cook and Katie Sorenson combined to strike out eight batters and allow just 4 hits.

Woodstock North 18, Round Lake 2: The Thunder scored 6 runs in the first inning en route to the nonconference win.

Chloe Vermett and Ellie Thurow were both 2-for-4 with 3 RBI for Woodstock North.