The Denison softball team split its 2015 home opener with Muskingum University on Tuesday. The Big Red blanked the Muskies in game one 2-0, but fell 4-1 in the nightcap.

Freshman pitcher Lauren Secaras, the reigning North Coast Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week, proved why she deserved the honor as she tossed her second shutout of the season in game one. Secaras went seven strong innings, scattering three hits with five strikeouts and just one walk en route to her fourth win of the season.

The Big Red offense backed their pitcher's solid outing with two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Sophomore Lindsey Kenyon led off the inning with a double to right center. Secaras followed with a ground ball to third baseman Fallon Gawry. Kenyon provided just enough of a distraction from second to force an errant throw by Gawry that allowed the sophomore to score. Secaras was also able to move up to second on the play. Now with two outs and runners at the corners, sophomore Kerry Hager delivered a base hit through the left side that allowed Secaras to touch the dish.

Those two runs were all the freshman hurler needed as she didn't allow a Muskie runner past first base over the final three frames. She also retired the final five Muskingum batters in order. Senior Julie Rooney and freshman Marlie Mounts both went 2-for-3 at the plate, while Kenyon and Secaras each had a double.

In game two, Muskingum pushed across three runs off four hits and an error to grab an early lead. Denison had a shot to get a couple of those runs back in the second, but a snap throw to third by catcher Alyxis Moore brought an end to the inning.

Despite some early troubles, an outstanding defensive effort kept the Big Red in the contest. With one on and one out in the third, Rooney made a snow cone grab on a line drive off the bat of Jaclynn Hess that almost turned into a double play at first. Later in the inning with the bases loaded and two outs, the senior made a diving play to snag a liner in foul territory to end the threat. Rooney went on to finish game two with six putouts from the hot corner.

Denison's lone run came in the bottom of the third after Rooney led off the frame with a double to left center. She would come around to score on a ground out to first by Secaras. The Muskies' fourth run game in the sixth off a base hit by Kelly Martin.

In addition to her six putouts, Rooney also registered two hits and stole a base. Hager and freshman Erinn Henry also went 2-for-3. Sophomore Erin Laswell suffered the loss after giving up four runs (three earned) on 10 hits with one strikeout.

Muskingum's Jessica Matthews finished the doubleheader with three hits and two RBIs. Kristin Gill earned the game-two victory after allowing an unearned run on seven hits.

Denison moves to 7-5 on the year, while the Muskies are now 9-9. The Big Red returns to action on Thursday when they host Defiance at 3:30 p.m.