Youngstown, OH-The Cleveland State softball team started Horizon League play with a resounding 9-0 victory at Youngstown State Thursday afternoon. The Vikings struck early and often in starting the league slate 1-0.
 
Peyton Mueller Stenz had a huge game offensively finishing 2-for-4 with two two-run home runs and four RBI. Six different players in the Cleveland State lineup collected hits with Emma Gilkerson also registering a multi-hit game finishing 2-for-3 with an RBI.
 
Mueller Stenz got the scoring started in the second inning with her first two-run shot of the day. Her blast to center field brought home Marley Smith and made it 2-0 Vikings.
 
Brooke Albaugh added to the lead with a solo shot of her own in the third. Cleveland State plated a second run in the inning when Delaney Ellis scored on a wild pitch to make it 4-0.
 
Cleveland State added three more runs in the fourth on RBI doubles from Gilkerson and Sydney Shammo which extended the lead to 7-0. Mueller Stenz closed the scoring with her second two-run shot of the day in the seventh.
 
The run support was more than enough for Melissa Holzopfel who spun a gem in the circle. Holzopfel went the full seven innings and gave up just one hit and three total baserunners in the game. She struck out five and walked only one hitter.
 
Cleveland State returns to the diamond tomorrow for a doubleheader as the Vikings close out the opening Horizon League series against the Penguins. The first game begins at 3:00 p.m. and both games will be broadcast live on ESPN+.