Clearwater, FL ? The Robert Morris University softball team finally overcame gloomy weather to get the 2009 season started at USF's Under Armour Invitational against Western Michigan University and Villanova University at the Eddie C. Moore Sports Complex.  The Colonials had a tough start to the day, and never seemed to fully regain their footing as they dropped two disappointing decisions.  WMU defeated Robert Morris 3-1 in the first game and the Villanova Wildcats pushed by the Colonials with a 6-3 effort in the second outing.

In game one against the Broncos of Western Michigan, freshman Alexa Bryson (Greensburg, Pa. / Latrobe Area) made her first career start for Robert Morris. In three and a third innings, she allowed three hits and three runs. However, all three runs scored by Broncos were unearned.  Sophomore Annie Dubovec (Chagrin Falls, Ohio / Kenston) came in for relief for the remainder of the game and gave up zero runs while allowing four hits.

Western Michigan held RMU scoreless for the first six innings while they managed to record two runs in the third and added another in the fourth.  The Colonials finally got on the board in the bottom of the sixth when freshman Jaci Timko (Houston, Pa. / Chartiers-Houston) drew a walk to lead off the inning.  Senior Lauren Nisivoccia (Nutley, NJ / Mount St. Dominics) pushed Timko over to second with a ground out, while Timko moved over to third on a wild pitch.  Senior Brooke Panepinto (Belle Vernon, Pa. / Belle Vernon) notched her first RBI of the season with her base hit to drive Timko home for the Colonials lone score of the contest.

Robert Morris attempted to come back in the seventh, but the Broncos put them away handily with three quick outs to secure their 3-1 victory.

RMU got off to a better start in the second outing against Villanova as they jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first. Sophomore Lindsey Moates (Ocala, Fla / Forest) made her second appearance of the 2009 season as she gave up four hits and four runs in two and a third innings of work.  Bryson put in another three innings of work allowing an additional three hits and two runs.  Finally, Dubovec came in for her second stint of the day, pitching an inning and two-thirds innings while holding the Wildcats scoreless.

In the fourth inning, the Colonials started rolling as they attempted to rally back from the 5-1 deficit.  Senior Kristen McDaniel opened the scoring with her first home run of the year to make the score, 5-2. Freshmen Allie Patton (Poland, Ohio / Poland) and Katrina Gallagher (Canonsburg, Pa. / Canon-McMillan)  then hit back-to-back singles to put runners on.  Sophomore Kayla Crooks (McKees Rocks, Pa. / Montour) hit another strong single to advance Patton and Gallagher to second and third. With the bases loaded, Timko notched another hit to bring Patton home.

However, the two run fourth was not enough to bring RMU back as Villanova surged to their 6-3 win.

The Colonials will be back in action tomorrow as they play Boston University and another opponent who has yet to be determined.