Clearwater, Fla. ? The Robert Morris University softball team was back in action on Saturday for two games in day two of USF's Under Armour Invitational. In game one, the Colonials fell 4-0 to Boston University, but rebounded in their second game to defeat Evansville, 2- 1.
Sophomore Annie Dubovec (Chagrin Falls, Ohio / Kenston) made her first start of the year after only previously seeing action in relief so far in 2009. In three innings of work, Dubovec allowed six hits and four runs. Sophomore Lindsey Moates (Ocala, Fla / Forest) finished the remaining three innings while holding the Terriers to no runs and just two hits.
On the offensive side, the Colonials struggled to get started as they only recorded three hits in seven innings. Dubovec, and seniors Kristin McDaniel (Yardley, Pa. / Pennsbury) and Stacy Davidson (Akron, Ohio / Springfield) all notched singles in the campaign against Boston University.
However, the Robert Morris bats finally came to life later in the afternoon in the Colonial's second game against the Purple Aces of Evansville. Freshman Alexa Bryson (Greensburg, Pa. / Latrobe Area) picked up her first career victory and complete game in her seven innings of impressive work.
Bryson faced several tough situations, but each time she was able to get out of the inning without allowing damage to be done. She gave up just four hits and did not allow Evansville to tally a run until the bottom of the seventh inning.
In the fifth inning, sophomore Kayla Crooks (McKees Rocks, Pa. / Montour) led off by reaching base on an error by Evansville's third baseman. Katrina Gallagher (Canonsburg, Pa. / Canon-McMillan) then moved Crooks to second with her solid bunt. With runners at first and second, freshman Jaci Timko (Houston, Pa. / Chartiers-Houston) hit a hard shot into center field to bring home Crooks and take a 1-0 lead.
Robert Morris extended its lead to 2-0 in the top of the sixth when senior Susan Perich (Center, Pa. / Center) notched key single and was brought home by a double from McDaniel.
The Colonials will look to continue their winning trend tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. when they will conclude at the Under Armour Invitational against an opponent that has yet to be determined.
