SLIPPERY ROCK — Wilmington softball coach Paul Smargiasso was hopeful his team could strike early and often enough in Wednesday's game against Slippery Rock.

It turned out early was just enough.

The Greyhounds scored twice in the first inning without a hit off Rockets pitcher Morgan Robinson and went on to post a 5-1 victory.

Wilmington (13-0) benefited from two walks, two stolen bases, two wild pitches, a hit batsman and two errors.

Still, Smargiasso thought that might not be enough.

"Against (Robinson), as a freshman last year, we scored four runs early, then she shut us down," said Smargiasso. "You have to make hay while the sun is shining. She's a fierce competitor."

Robinson settled down Wednesday as well and didn'tt allow a hit until the fifth inning. Wilmington tacked on an insurance run in the sixth inning, then used a two-run homer by Sydney Cuscino in the seventh inning to close out the scoring.

"You certainly can't let them up early," said Rockets coach Zoe McDowell. "If they're on base, they'll get some runs. They use their speed well."

Although neither team had a hit until the fifth inning, the Rockets (5-6) did have chances in the fifth and sixth innings to take the lead, but were unable to capitalize against Greyhounds pitcher Brooke Buchowski.

In the fifth, a double by Lindsay Bennett, a walk to Shawna Peace and an RBI single by Hillary Pendel to start the frame cut the Wilmington lead to 2-1.

Jamie Laughner dropped a sacrifice bunt, but was ruled safe when Greyhound catcher Leslie Kollar's throw hit Laughner while she was in the first-base line.

Buchowski fanned Alyssa Newcomb and Jessica Hotz, then Robinson's liner was caught by second baseman Cari Conway while running away from the infield.

Wilmington added to its lead in the sixth inning when Cuscino hit a leadoff double, moved to third on a fielder's choice and scored on a wild pitch.

The Rockets tried to answer with another rally. With one out and a runner at first, Shawna Peace singled to put runners on the corners.

After an uncontested steal put two runners in scoring position, Pendel grounded out to end the inning.

Cuscino's home run in the seventh gave the Greyhounds some much-needed breathing room.

Not to be overlooked was the performance of Buchowski, who struck out 14 batters — at least two over each of the final six innings — and walked three while allowing three hits.

But the Rockets seemed to miss out on delivering the big hit.

"For whatever reason, it was hard to get the bats warmed up," said McDowell. "Usually, we hit the ball better than our opponents. That's not being cocky, but that gives us a lot of confidence, knowing we're down a run or two and still think we can get on base."

Wilmington 200 001 2—5 4 0Slippery Rock 000 010 0—1 3 2W: Brooke Buchowski 7 IP (14 K, 3 BB).

L: Morgan Robinson 7 IP (8 K, 9 BB).

Wilmington (13-0): Cassi Conway 2B; Sydney Cuscino 2B, 2R HR; Julie Burns 1B

Slippery Rock (5-6) Lindsay Bennett 2B; Shawna Peace 1B; Hillary Pendel 1B, RBI

Friday: Slippery Rock at Sharpsville