Tampa, Fla. - The Robert Morris University softball team opened its 2007 season Monday by splitting a pair with St. Joseph's in Tampa, Fla. The Colonials dropped game one of the doubleheader, 7-0, before rebounding to post an 8-4 victory in game two.
In game one the Colonials couldn't muster a hit off of Hawks starter Lauren Cognigni, who struck out seven and walked a pair. St. Joseph took control by posting five runs in the top of third. In the second game RMU got its offense going, scoring eight runs on 10 hits and climbing out of a 4-0 deficit. The fourth inning proved to be the difference, as Robert Morris plated five runs on four hits to take a 5-4 advantage.
Junior Brenna Reed (Carnegie, Pa. / Montour) got the rally started with a single, and she came around to score on an RBI double from senior Ashlee Smith (Mechanicsville, Va. / Lee-Davis). Sophomore Brooke Panepinto (Belle Vernon, Pa. / Belle Vernon) added an RBI single, while junior Susan Perich (Center, Pa. / Center) added a two-RBI single. Perich finished game two by going 3-for-4 with two runs and four RBI, while Panepinto and senior Jill Spargo (Warren, Pa. / Warren Area) each had a pair of hits.
After allowing two runs in each of the bottom half of second and third innings, Reed settled down, getting victory from the pitcher's circle thanks to seven innings of work and allowing just five hits. She struck out six and walked five.
RMU returns to action Tuesday when it visits South Florida for a 5:00 p.m. doubleheader.
