FORT MYERS, Fla. - Meghan Borst hit a two-run double in a three-run first inning, leading the Fairfield University softball team to a 5-1 win over Michigan State in today's first game of the Florida Gulf Coast Invitational. The Stags dropped their second game on the day, an 8-4 decision to Bethune-Cookman.

            For the second straight day, Fairfield enjoyed a big first inning, but this time was able to keep the lead against its Big Ten opponent. Borst chased home Lisa Meringer and Kristina Lingo with a double. Dani Griswold followed up with an RBI double that gave Fairfield a three-run edge.

            Pitcher Sarah Minice made those runs stand by scattering five hits and allowing one run in earning her first victory of the season. Just to be sure, the Stags added a single run in the sixth and the seventh frames. Allison Wigand made the score 4-1 with a run-scoring single, while Lingo added a run-producing base hit in the final inning.

            In the second game, Bethune Cookman jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first two innings, but the Stags battled back with four runs in the top of third to tie the game. Lingo, Borst, and Jenna DiBernardo each had an RBI in the big inning. Bethune-Cookman came back with a single run in the fourth inning and three more in the fifth inning to make the score 8-4, which proved to be the final score.

            The Stags return to action on Sunday when they take on 13^th-ranked DePaul University in the team's final game of the tournament.