FAYETTEVILLE, NC --- Roanoke College softball got off to a great start to its 2009 season at the Early Bird Tournament hosted by Methodist University. The Maroons went 3-1 in the shortened tournament, due to inclement weather.

 

The Maroons defeated Hood, 5-2 in their season-opener and followed with a 1-0 win over tournament-host Methodist. They fell to York (Pa.), 4-0 before defeating NCAA Div. II Fayetteville St. 14-3 in the final game of the day.

 

Sophomore Clarissa Norwichwent 6-for-12 with three doubles, two runs and two RBI. Felice Lowery had five hits, including two doubles and three runs scored in her first collegiate weekend. Junior Kelsey Ruitenberg led the Maroons with four RBI along with two doubles and two runs scored.

 

Gretchen Wolfe started off her sophomore campaign well with a complete game shutout victory against nationally-ranked Methodist (#19 NFCA). She struck out 11 batters and allowed only three hits in a 1-0 victory. Norwich's double drove in pinch runnerLisa Scruggsfor the only run of the game.

 

Ruitenberg showed her stuff on the mound as well in a complete game win over Hood. She finished with 12 strikeouts and allowed two runs on three hits. She helped her cause with a two-RBI double along with Taylor Zahn, who had an RBI infield hit in the win.

 

Against Fayetteville St. Scruggs had a big game, going 2-for-3 with three RBI. Jessica Zemanhad two hits, two runs scored and two RBI. Christina Ramos, Ruitenberg, Nowrwich, Sara Caudle and Lowery all had two hits apiece in the 14-3 win. Janie Holmes got her first collegiate win after striking out three in three innings of work.

 

The women will host Virginia Intermont in their home-opener this Sunday, March 1. It will be the Maroons first meeting against the Cobras. Game time is set for 2 p.m.

 

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