A little power and plenty of aggressive baserunning paved the away for a 2-0 start to the season for the Hope College softball team.

The Flying Dutch defeated Bates, Maine 9-0 and Transylvania, Kentucky 3-1 on Friday in Clermont, Florida in their first two games of the season.

Hope secured an unbeaten start with a two-run bottom of the sixth inning.

The Flying Dutch snapped a 1-1 tie by scoring two runs on a fielder's choice off the bat from winning pitcher Sydney Jones.

Designated player Sarah Jones of Norton Shores, Michigan (Mona Shores HS) scored from second base on the play and followed catcher Hayley Reitsma of Grand Rapids, Michigan GR Christian HS) home. Reitsma provided Hope's other run on a first-inning single that plated second baseman Sierra Mutschler of Wayland, Michigan (Wayland HS).

Right-hander Sydney Jones of South Lyon, Michigan (South Lyon East HS) went the distance on the mound in her first start of the season. She allowed three hits and a fifth-inning run to Transylvania (5-5).

In the day's opener, right-hander Kate Laverty of Eaton Rapids, Michigan (Eaton Rapids HS) tossed six scoreless, four-hit inning against Bates (0-6). She struck out eight. Reliever Katie Singer of Howell, Michigan (Hartland HS) completed the shutout with a scoreless seventh.

The Flying Dutch gave ample support to Laverty (1-0) with 12 hits, including a solo home rum and three hits from centerfielder Autumn Anderson of Dorr, Michigan (Wayland HS). Anderson totaled two runs and two RBIs.

Reitsma and first baseman Sarah Jones each collected two runs apiece. Both doubled, as did leftfielder Noelle Jackson of Grand Blanc, Michigan (Grand Blanc HS).

Hope returns to action on Saturday, March 19 with games against Greenville and St. Thomas, Minnesota.