WINONA — The Packer’s softball season started on a rough note, but they recovered in the nightcap of a doubleheader to earn a split at Winona (1-1 overall, 1-1 Big Nine) Tuesday.

Austin (1-1 overall, 1-1 Big Nine) was held hitless and it committed five errors in a 5-0 loss in the opener but it rebounded with a 9-6 win in the nightcap.

“We made some defensive changes that changed the game in the second game and it was much better,” Austin head coach Tina Strauss said. “Winona’s pitcher in the first game did a really good job and they pitched a slower pitcher in the second game, and we had better timing against her.”

Austin sophomore Abbey Ball picked up the mound win and knocked in three runs in the nightcap, Marie Clennon had a double in two RBIs and freshman Syndey Murphy knocked in two runs for Austin.

Austin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 5

Winona 0 1 1 2 4 0 X — 8 7 5

Austin pitching: Marie Clennon (L), 7 IP, 7 H, 5 BB, 8 R, 6 ER, 6 K

Austin hitting: Taylor Hackensmith, BB; Shelby Oldenkamp, BB

Austin 2 2 0 1 0 4 0 — 9 10 4

Winona 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 — 6 5 3

Austin pitching: Abbey Ball (W), 7 IP, 5 H, 5 BB, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 K

Austin hitting: Katelyn Joseph, 1-for-4, 3 R; Erin Dankert, 0-for-3, 2 R, 2 BBs; Clennon, 2-for-3, double, 2 RBIs, R, BB; Ball, 2-for-3, double, 3 RBIs, R, HBP; Hackensmith, 2-for-4, double, RBI; Sydney Murphy, 2-for-3, 2 RBIs; Laura Siegfried, 1-for-3, BB; Abby Bickler, 0-for-4, R