MONTEVALLO, Ala. - Freshman Hallie Davis homered, tripled and drove in five as the Lee softball team cruised past Montevallo University, 18-7 in five innings on Thursday evening.

Davis, a local product from Walker Valley High School, roped her first collegiate home run in the second frame which followed a run-scoring triple in the first inning.

Three seniors showed up for the Lady Flames as Lexie Dean added three more hits while NiaRaye Ceasar was a perfect 3 for 3 with a double, three RBI and three runs scored. Emily Dagnan doubled and drove in three while also scoring three runs.

All totaled the sizzling Lee squad pounded out 17 hits, three doubles, a triple and one long ball. Four Eagles' errors accounted for six unearned runs.

"The bats were alive tonight," said head coach Emily Russell. "We are still young in the season and are getting more settled."

Sophomore Bri Eichbaum came on in relief of starter Leigh Beatenbough in the second inning. Eichbaum (1-0) pitched four innings and allowed three runs on six hits to earn her first victory of the season. Beatenbough was tagged with four runs (three earned). She yielded just two hits but gave up three walks.

"After the third inning we settled in and made some good defensive plays," added Russell. "We responded well when we faced adversity. Bri threw very well tonight coming in relief of Leigh. I look forward to getting going tomorrow and this weekend."

Kelsey Vining provided a spark for Montevallo in the leadoff spot with a double, single and two runs scored. Celestia Davila followed with triple and three RBI.

Jostlyn Higgerson (0-1) was tagged with the loss in the circle for the home team. She allowed eight runs in 1 2/3 innings of work. Abbey Pratt pitched the next 2 1/3 and gave up eight hits and 10 runs but only four were earned. Jana Armstrong worked a scoreless fifth inning and struck out two.

The Lady Flames improve to 2-1 on the young season with both victories coming by run-rule. Montevallo was playing in its season opener on Thursday.

Lee will now head further south to participate in the Gulf Shores Invitational beginning tomorrow. The Lady Flames will play two games on Friday, two more on Saturday and wrap up the weekend with a single game Sunday. The invitational opens with Miles College at 3:15 p.m. followed by Midwestern State University at 5:30 p.m.