Bethune-Cookman Box Score

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Fairfield University softball team opened the 2009 season with a pair of losses at the Florida Gulf Coast Invitational on Friday. The Stags saw a 2-0 lead disappear in a 3-2 decision against Bethune-Cookman, and never was on track in an 11-0 loss to the host school.

In the first game, Fairfield loaded the bases in the first inning as Kristie Trifiolis and Kristina Lingo sandwiched singles around an error. Meghan Borst followed with a ground out to second base to send home the first run. Kayla Marth pushed the second run across home plate with a grounder to the right side.

Bethune Cookman cut the deficit in half with a run in the fourth, and took the lead for good when Allison Garcia laced a two-run homer down the left field line to give Bethune-Cookman the winning margin. Fairfield pitcher Sarah Minice went the distance by scattering three hits and striking out seven hitters, but took the loss despite a strong effort.

The Stags did not record a hit in the second game against Florida Gulf Coast, and managed only one base runner against pitcher Catherine McDaniel. Dani Griswold earned a walk in the second inning and stole second but could not advance any further. McDaniel did not allow a hit in five shutout innings, striking out eight of the 16 batters she faced.