KENOSHA, WIS.—Cold and windy conditions continued to be the case for the Carthage College softball team in their 2018 CCIW opener against Elmhurst College (DH) at home on Thursday. Naomi Alonzo scattered two hits, walked no batters and registered seven strikeouts throughout the final 5.1 innings on the pitching rubber to secure the Lady Reds a 2-0 victory over Elmhurst in game one. Alonzo contributed a grand slam in Carthage's 13-1 (5 innings) victory over Elmhurst in game two, while Ellie Bernero picked up the pitching victory. 
 
The Lady Reds, who now own a five-game win streak, improve to 12-10, 2-0 CCIW while Elmhurst drops to 5-13, 0-4 CCIW.
 
Lady Reds 2, Elmhurst 0
 
Lady Reds starting pitcher Stefanie Guercio struck out three batters over the opening 1 2/3 innings before she turned things to Alonzo for good. Alonzo's run support occurred in the fourth inning, where Vivian Juarez set the tone when she reached on a hit by pitch. Alexandra Millett followed with a single to right field, which broke up Elmhurst pitcher Emily Despain's no-hitter. Jennifer Michuda plated Juarez and Millett with a two-out, two-run double to right-center field to give Carthage a 2-0 lead.
 
Guercio and Alonzo collectively struck out 10 Bluejays throughout the contest. Alonzo upped her win-loss pitching record to 5-3 on the season. Millett, Alonzo, Brooke Sefcik, Jennifer Michuda and Alessia Knowski each contributed a hit for the Carthage offense.
 
Lady Reds 13, Elmhurst 1 (5 Innings)
 
Lady Reds starting pitcher Ellie Bernero allowed one run (none earned) throughout the opening three innings to earn the pitching victory. Her run support began in the first inning when Millett's RBI-double scored Juarez, who also doubled, to make the score 1-0. The Bluejays responded with their lone run of the game in the bottom of the first before Carthage closed the game with 12 unanswered runs.
 
The Lady Reds' six-run second inning was highlighted by Alonzo's grand slam, which pushed their advantage to 7-1. Courtney Polanski, Knowski (2) and Marissa Maldonado each registered RBI-singles for Carthage's six-run fourth inning. Maldonado also scored from third on a wild pitch to begin the inning. Michuda contributed an RBI off a bases-loaded walk in the inning. 
 
Maldonado paced the Lady Reds offense with a 2-for-2 outing at the plate. Alonzo's grand slam highlighted the six other Lady Reds who contributed a hit in the game. Carthage out-hit Elmhurst 8-3 in the contest. 
 
Stephanie Bonaguidi allowed two hits, no runs and struck out two batters over the final two innings on the pitching rubber for Carthage.
 
The Lady Reds will return to action on Wednesday, April 11 at North Park University (DH). First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m.