Monroe sweeps Jordan in season-opening doubleheader

ALBANY — Monroe’s softball team wasted little time showing it intends to be a force this season.

The Lady Tornadoes erupted offensively and wreaked havoc on the basepaths Tuesday, sweeping a season-opening doubleheader from Jordan of Columbus by scores of 11-3 and 16-1.

Monroe scored 27 runs on 18 hits while stealing an eye-popping 32 bases in the two victories.

In the opener, Monroe overcame an early 1-0 deficit by scoring twice in the first inning and never looked back.

Desarae Johnson and Glendalys Harvey each drove in runs in the opening inning before the Lady Tornadoes broke the game open with a four-run third.

Johnson delivered an RBI single, Michadden Anderson lined a two-run single and Ariya Lee was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to cap the rally and give Monroe a 7-3 advantage.

The bottom of the batting order proved to be the difference.

Batting seventh through ninth, Amari Lee, Anderson and Ria James combined for four hits, three runs scored and four RBIs. Anderson led the way with three RBIs while finishing 2-for-2. Johnson and James also collected two hits apiece.

Jamiya Duhart earned the win in the circle, allowing three runs over five innings while striking out seven.

The Lady Tornadoes also put constant pressure on Jordan’s defense, stealing 12 bases. Lee, Johnson and Duhart each swiped multiple bags.

Monroe’s defense was equally impressive, playing error-free softball throughout the contest.

The second game was even more lopsided.

Layla Clay drove in four runs and collected three hits to lead Monroe to a 16-1 victory in three innings.

After Jordan grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first, Monroe responded with a nine-run second inning that featured seven different players driving in runs.

Clay sparked the rally with an RBI single before Nariah Tinch added a run-scoring hit. Ariya Lee was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, Raquel Timley drew a bases-loaded walk, Jamiya Duhart delivered a two-run single, Harvey worked another RBI walk, and Clay capped the inning with a two-run single.

Monroe added seven more runs in the third to end the game early.

Lee drove in two runs with a single, Duhart added an RBI groundout, Harvey and Clay each collected RBI singles and the Lady Tornadoes even stole home during the inning.

Clay finished 3-for-3 with four RBIs to pace Monroe’s 10-hit attack. Lee and Harvey each added two hits.

Monroe again dominated the basepaths, stealing 20 bases in the nightcap. Lee, Harvey, Anderson, Johnson and Clay each recorded multiple stolen bases.

Amari Lee started in the circle, striking out four while allowing one unearned run in 1 2/3 innings. Harvey tossed the final 1 1/3 scoreless innings, giving up one hit while striking out two.

The Lady Tornadoes will look to carry the momentum from their explosive season-opening performance into their next game Thursday at home against Carver.