Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score

MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. – The Shippensburg softball team opened its 2009 season on Friday afternoon amidst frigid conditions from Nancy C. Cassell Field on the campus of Mount Olive College but could not come away with a victory over the home-standing Trojans, losing by scores of 7-6 and 3-0.

Shippensburg (0-2) was in total control through the first five-and-a-half innings of Game 1, leading 6-0 by virtue of seven hits and six walks. Junior first basewoman Lisamarie Ramagli went 3-for-3 with a home run, double and two RBIs in the opener while five different Lady Raiders had hits.

Several Lady Raiders delivered solid offensive performances in the opener. Senior catcher Rachelle Wedell went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run, while sophomore third basewoman Courtney Steele smacked a two-run double and sophomore left fielder Jill Mullan reached base three times and scored twice from the leadoff spot.

Mount Olive (3-1), who entered the bottom of the sixth inning having registered just two baserunners against senior starting pitcher Lori Knopf, began its rally off freshman relief pitcher Emily Parkins. A walk, single and hit by pitch loaded the bases to start the inning, but Parkins induced a foul out from the next batter.

With the bases still loaded, Trojan catcher Robbin Kennedy hit a grounder to short that was misplayed by sophomore Marissa Nagle, causing two runners to score and Knopf to re-enter the game in the circle.

After a single re-loaded the bases, Katie Nalley dropped a squeeze bunt that Knopf couldn't get out of her glove in time, resulting in a fielder's choice allowing all the runners to advance a base and bringing the score to 6-3. An RBI-groundout made it a two-run game, but a walk to Morgan Whaley allowed the Trojans to hit with the bases loaded for the fifth time in the inning.

Freshman center fielder Anna Munizza capitalized on the opportunity by hitting a screamer to center field that got caught in a howling wind and flew over the head of senior center fielder Chelsea Carson, resulting in a three-run double that helped Mount Olive complete a seven-run comeback in the inning.

In the second game, sophomore Dana Ward got the start and pitched five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and striking out five batters. Unfortunately, the Lady Raiders could only muster a double from Carson and singles from Steele and freshman Abby Block in the 3-0 loss.

Shippensburg returns to action on Saturday with a doubleheader from Barton College. The games will begin at 1 p.m.