ROSEMONT, Ill. --- The Trinity International University softball team opened up the 2020 season on Friday night as they battled the Robert Morris Eagles in a non-conference matchup inside the Dome. After a 19-26 season a year ago, the Trojans look to make great strides and return to the postseason this year.

Alyssa Frey got the start for TIU on the mound and got off to a strong start, striking out three of the first four batters she faced in the first inning. Hailey Kruiger got the Trojans first hit of the 2020 campaign with a leadoff single, but was unable to score in the first. 

Frey would give up a walk in the top of the fourth inning, but would escape unscathed with three hitless innings after giving up a single in the first. Lauren Neveau notched TIU's first extra base hit in the fourth with a leadoff double, but could not make it back to home plate as the first four frames concluded with no score.

Robert Morris put together their best offensive inning of the night as they put runners on with two hits and a walk. However, thanks to excellent defense and situational awareness, the Trojans were able to cut down two potential runs at home plate, and ultimately end the top of the fifth having given up nothing.

TIU finally found success in the bottom of the sixth, as Neveau reached base on a walk. Britney Knox's single advanced Neveau to third. After Brooke Heraty's flew out to centerfield, Grace Schmidt's single with two outs brought Neveau home to break the stalemate. The Trojans then made quick work of the Eagles in the top of the seventh, retiring all three batters to seal the season opening win, 1-0.

Frey picked up the win with the complete game shutout on 102 pitches, recording seven strikeouts and two walks. RMU's Madison Christ, who began the game playing at first base and came in to pitch in relief in the fifth inning, took the loss after giving up Schmidt's game-winning RBI single in the sixth.

The Trojans (1-0) returns to action on Friday, February 28 as they begin their ten game spring break trip to Kissimmee, Florida, where they will open up against St. Thomas University (FL). First pitch is scheduled for 2:30PM EST (1:30PM CST).

Trinity International University is a comprehensive, national university affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America and located in Bannockburn, Illinois, 25 miles north of Chicago. TIU educates men and women to engage in God's redemptive work in the world by cultivating academic excellence, Christian faithfulness and lifelong learning.