Moon Township, Pa. ? In the opening game at the newly completed North Athletic Complex field, the Robert Morris University softball team took on cross-town rival, Pittsburgh in a double header.  The Colonials struggled to shut down the strong Panther offense as they were upended 7-1 in the first game, and 3-2 in the second.

In game one, sophomore Annie Dubovec (Chagrin Falls, Ohio / Kenston) and freshman Alexa Bryson (Greensburg, Pa. / Greater Latrobe) split the pitching duties in the opening contest.  The Panthers put up one run in the first, four in the fourth and an additional two scores in the top of the seventh.

Robert Morris' lone run came on the first home run recorded at the North Athletic Complex in the bottom of the third inning.  Freshman Jaci Timko (Houston, Pa. / Chartiers-Houston) blasted her second round tripper of the season to give RMU its only score of the game.

The second game started a little better for the Colonials as Lindsey Moates (Ocala, FL / Forest) took to the mound for the fifth time of the year.  Moates only allowed three runs on seven hits in a complete game effort.

Pitt scored two runs in the top of the third inning, but in the bottom of the six Robert Morris tied the game with two scores of its own.

Timko got the inning rolling with her infield single.  Senior Brooke Panepinto (Belle Vernon, Pa. / Belle Vernon) later singled down the right field line to advance Timko.  Freshman and NEC Player/Rookie of the Week, Sarah Capp (McKees, Pa. / Montour), then hit a single to second base to drive in Timko and Panepinto to deadlock the game at two.

However, the Panthers managed to put one run up in the top of the seventh to seal their 3-2 victory.

On Friday, Robert Morris will begin play in Maryland for the UMBC Spring Classic.  The Colonials will kick off tournament play against Siena on Friday morning at 8:00 a.m and Niagara at 9:55 a.m.