Greensboro, NC ? The Robert Morris University softball team opened the 2009 season on Friday afternoon at the UNC-Greensboro Spartan Classic.  The Colonials took an early one-run lead, but gave up six runs to the Bobcats in the fifth as they dropped a disappointing 6-1 decision to Ohio University.

In the first two innings, the Colonials did not manage to get a single runner on base as the Bobcats picked up six consecutive outs in the field.  Finally in the third, Kayla Crooks (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Brashear) notched a single to get RMU rolling.  Freshman Allie Patton (Poland, Ohio / Poland) got on first with throwing error by the pitcher to put Colonials on first and third.   Crooks then scored the first run of the game off a wild pitch.

However, the Robert Morris 1-0 lead would not be enough to hold off Ohio.  In the fifth inning, the Bobcats broke through with six runs off three hits and three errors. 

The loss was credited to Lindsey Moates (Ocala, Fla. / Forest) for her 4.1 innings on the mound.  Annie Dubovec (Chagrin Falls, Ohio / Kenston) also put in 2.2 innings of relief.  Moates recorded one strikeout while Dubovec tallied two.

The remainder of the UNC-Greensboro Spartan Classic was cancelled due to weather.  Next week, the Colonials will travel to Clearwater, Fla. to participate in the USF Under Armour Tournament.  RMU's first contest will be against Western Michigan on Friday, March 6 at 11:00 a.m.