BRONX, N.Y. – The Yeshiva University softball team opened the 2018 season with a pair of losses to Lehman College, at Fordham University, on Thursday evening. Yeshiva dropped the first game, 14-1, while falling in the second contest by a score of 11-2.

The Lightning (4-7) scored two runs in the top half of the first to gain the early advantage. Yeshiva (0-2) answered in the home half of the frame, as junior right fielder Leah Feder drilled a double to left center field, scoring senior center fielder Ellie Chase from second, to cut the deficit in half. However, that was all Yeshiva's lineup was able to produce, as Lehman scored four runs in the second, and seven in the third, to put the game out of reach.

In the circle, Yaidee Nieves earned a complete game victory for the Lightning, giving up just one hit with no earned runs, while striking out 12 Yeshiva hitters.

For Yeshiva, junior pitcher Samantha Cohen pitched a complete game, striking out three Lehman hitters. Junior catcher Sarah Hiller reached base via a walk.

Both teams were held scoreless for the first two innings of the second game. In the top of the second, senior pitcher Elisa Alweis got Sam Torres to strike out looking with the bases loaded to escape a jam. However, the Lightning were able to cash in during the course of the next two innings, scoring once in the third, and three in the fourth, to take a 4-0 advantage.

Yeshiva was able to cut the deficit in half in the home-half of the fourth. After freshman shortstop Basya Goldstein produced an infield hit and advanced to second on a wild pitch, sophomore first baseman Gabi Chutter launched a triple to right field, scoring Goldstein. After Chutter reached third, she was able to score on a throwing error by the right fielder, cutting Lehman's lead to 4-2.

The Lightning would counter with seven runs over the next two innings to earn the convincing sweep.

In the circle, Torres earned the complete game victory for Lehman, giving up just one earned run and striking out 13 YU hitters. Alweis also pitched a complete game, fanning five Lehman batters. At the plate, Feder produced a triple, while Hiller and Goldstein each produced a walk.

Yeshiva will travel to Bellerose on Sunday, for a non-conference double-header at York College (N.Y.). First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.