Moon Township, Pa. – The Robert Morris University softball team returned home for NEC action at the North Athletic Complex on Saturday afternoon against Long Island University. The Colonials put up a fight, but were defeated 3-0 and 10-3 by the Blackbirds.
After dropping both decisions, RMU moves to 22-18 overall and 9-5 in NEC action.
The Colonials and LIU held each other scoreless for the initial three innings in the first game of the day. Finally in the top of the fourth, the Blackbirds broke the game open and notched two runs to capture the lead. In the top of the fifth, Long Island added its third and final run of the game to seal their victory.
Freshman Alexa Bryson (Greensburg, Pa / Greater Latrobe) allowed three runs in only her fourth loss of the season. She struck out five and did not walk a single batter.
In game two, the Blackbirds got rolling early as they posted four runs in the top of the first inning.
Robert Morris then answered back in the bottom of the third with three scores thanks to the help of four defensive errors by Long Island. Senior Susan Perich (Center, Pa. / Center) had the Colonials' lone hit of the inning to bring RMU back to within one.
However, the Long Island bats came back to life in the fifth and sixth innings as they tallied three runs in each frame to propel them to the 10-3 win.
Sophomore Annie Dubovec (Chagrin Falls, Ohio / Kenston) recorded the loss as she pitched the complete game for the Colonials in her 19th appearance of the year.
Robert Morris will celebrate the Class of 2009 on Senior Day tomorrow against Wagner. Pre-game festivities will take place prior to the start of the contest. First pitch is set for noon.
