WINDSOR, Ont. – The Durham Lords women's softball team opened their 2025 campaign in convincing fashion on Saturday afternoon, defeating the St. Clair Saints 15–4 and 11-2 in a doubleheader away from home.

Coming off an undefeated 2024 season, the Lords quickly reminded the league of their offensive firepower, scoring five runs in both the second and third innings to seize control of the game. Durham piled on 16 hits overall, spreading production throughout the lineup.

Jessica Greene drove in three runs on three hits, while Peyton Jones powered the offence with seven RBIs, including a two-run homer in the third inning. 

Jayden Bennett added two RBIs of her own with a seventh inning home run, while Emily Taylor went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and three runs scored. 

Durham's depth was on full display, with nine different players recording hits.

In the circle, Makayla Benz earned the win, working 4.0 innings and striking out five while allowing just two runs. Keira O'Reilly closed the door with three innings of relief, giving up only two runs against a total of 14 batters.

Moving onto the second game of the Sledgehammer Series, Durham broke through in the fourth inning when Emily Rowe singled in the game's first run, then piled on with a five-run sixth to put the contest out of reach.

The Lords collected 18 hits, with production spread throughout the lineup. Jorja Kloepfer was a standout, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs.

Rowe added two hits, two runs scored, and a stolen base, while Bennett drove in a pair. In total, 10 different Lords registered hits in the win, underscoring the team's offensive depth.

On the mound, Jones was steady from start to finish, going the distance with a complete-game performance. The veteran pitcher allowed just two earned runs on seven hits, striking out seven while not walking a single batter.

The Lords, who set the standard last season with an unbeaten record en route to provincial and national titles, pick up right where they left off and will return to action in Sarnia on Sunday against the Lambton Lions at 1:00 & 3:00 PM.

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