Cleveland, Ohio -- The Robert Morris University softball team opened the season with a pair of losses at the Cleveland State Dome Tournament Saturday afternoon. The Colonials fell in their season opener, 5-2, to Canisius before succumbing to Niagara in the nightcap, 9-0.
 
Junior Olivia Lorusso went 3-for-5 on the day with a double and a run batted in. She was also perfect in the field, not missing a play in nine opportunities. Senior Jordan Gurganus hit safely in two of seven at-bats and scored a pair of runs as well. A total of seven RMU players made their collegiate debuts Saturday.
 
In the opener against Canisius, Gurganus went 2-4 and scored both runs. Senior Stacey Capp added a hit and RBI while Lorusso collected two hits and also a run batted in. Laura Coulter went the distance on the mound, giving up nine hits and four earned runs while striking out six.
 
In the bottom of the first, Gurganus singled up the middle in the season's first at-bat. After moving to second on a Capp sacrifice, Lorusso laced a shot to left center that brought in Gurganus from second. RMU had a chance to do more damage when Abrielle McCartney singled with two runners on, but Lorusso was cut down at the plate.
 
The Golden Griffs broke through in the third inning with four runs, the first coming off a two-run homer by Denver Keller. A walk and a double led to two more runs later in the inning when Lauren Castro hit a ground rule double to center field.
 
The Colonials got one back in the bottom of the frame with Gurganus starting things off again when she singled and advanced to second on a throwing error. Capp followed with a double to left center that scored Gurganus. Lorusso then lofted a flyball that was dropped by the center fielder, but Canisius was able to cut down another runner at home when Capp tried to score.
 
Canisius added an unearned run in the sixth inning to cap the scoring. RMU put runners on base in five of seven innings, but left seven stranded.
 
Freshman pitcher Madison Riggle made her debut in game two against Niagara and things looked promising as she struck out two during a 1-2-3 first inning. A two-run bomb by Kendall Watkins gave Niagara the lead in the bottom of the second. Sarah March doubled in a run in the third before a bases loaded walk plated another to put Niagara on top, 4-0.
 
The Purple Eagles scored two more in the fourth before Riggle was chased from the circle. She was charged with six runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings while striking out four. Lacee Collins came on and gave up two earned runs in an inning of work. The mercy rule was invoked after five innings and the Purple Eagles leading, 9-0.
 
The Colonials will have a chance at revenge against Niagara tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 12, in a 3:30 p.m. contest at the Krenzler Dome. RMU finishes off its opening weekend of play with a 6:00 contest against Bowling Green.