MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - The Keystone College softball team defeated SUNY Canton 16-0 (5 innings) in the team's 2023 season opener on Sunday at the Fastpitch Dreams Classic.

In addition, head coach Mariah Ford collected her first collegiate win for the Giants (1-0).

Sunday's second game against Maine-Farmington was called in the fourth inning due to rain.

Against the Kangaroos (0-1), Keystone outhit Canton 17-2, scoring three runs in the first, six in the third and seven in the fourth.

Kabrina Birmingham (Burlington, N.J./Burlington City) went 2-for-4 with four RBI and three runs, collecting a pair of two-run triples. Brooke Staple (Carbondale, Pa./Carbondale Area) finished 4-for-4 with three RBI and three runs while Isabella Benitez (East Windsor, N.J./Hightstown), Courtney Cienki (West Milford, N.J./West Milford) and Mara Brooks (Manassas, Va./Brentsville) all drove in two runs.

Elle Olivero (Levittown, Pa./Harry S. Truman) went 3-for-4 while Mallory Perkins (Norwalk, OH/Edison) finished 2-for-4 with two runs. 

Clare Johns (Skippack, Pa./Perkiomen Valley) earned her first collegiate victory in the circle, tossing five scoreless innings with nine strikeouts, allowing two hits and one walk. At the plate, Johns drew three walks and drove in one run.

The Giants face McDaniel and SUNY Plattsburgh tomorrow at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., respectively.