Moon Township, Pa. ? The Robert Morris University softball team opened its 2008 season Saturday afternoon with a victory over No. 22 Virginia Tech, 4-3, before falling to Rider, 4-3, at the Hokies United Memorial Tournament. Through the first day of the tournament the Colonials hold a 1-1 overall record.

Senior Brenna Reed (Carnegie, Pa. / Montour) tossed a complete game against Virginia Tech, striking out four batters and allowing seven hits and a pair of walks. Susan Perich (Center, Pa. / Center) and Megan Lynch (Allison Park, Pa. / Shaler) lead the Colonial offense with one home run each. Lynch went 1-for-3 at the plate, tallying one RBI and scoring two runs. Perich also went 1-for-3 at the plate while driving in a pair of runs and scoring once.

Freshman Lindsey Moates (Ocala, Fla. / Forest) pitched six innings against Rider in RMU's second game of the afternoon. She allowed four runs on seven hits while striking out three batters. Brooke Panepinto (Belle Vernon, Pa. / Belle Vernon), Jessica Calderone (Wilmington, De. / St. Marks) and Kayla Crooks (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Brashear) all drove in one run for the Colonials. RMU tied the game in the fifth inning at three, before Rider's Tiffany Day-Neutill lead off the sixth inning with a home run, giving them a, 4-3, victory.

The Colonials return to action Sunday, Feb. 24 as they close out the weather shortened Hokies United Memorial Tournament as they take on Villanova at 11:00 a.m.