Atzenhoefer, a shortstop, helped spark the Pioneer softball team to a 12-8 victory over the weekend in its season-opening game against Point (GA) University at the Smash Hit Tournament in Hardeeville, South Carolina.
Atzenhoefer, who entered the game tied with Carisa Troyer for the Malone career home-run record, fueled a big six-run fifth inning by delivering a one-out grand slam. With the fifth-inning drive over the outfield fence, the senior gave her squad a commanding 6-1 advantage and also took over the top spot on the Pioneers' all-time home-run list, now with 17 career homers.
Atzenhoefer then added a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning to finish her first contest of the season with five runs batted in. She entered the 2012 campaign already holding the Malone career records for doubles and RBI's.