Feb. 6, 2009

Box Score

BOCA RATON, Fla. - The University of Maryland softball team opened its 2009 season by falling to nationally-ranked Massachusetts, 8-3, during the Florida Atlantic Kick-Off Classic in the FAU Softball Stadium.

Infielders Devon Williams and Marisha Branson tallied two hits apiece and Williams added a pair of RBIs, but it was not enough against the Minutewomen, who rank No. 24 in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25.

Following an early 2-0 Minutewomen lead, The Terps answered in the bottom of the first by scoring two runs of their own. Outfielder Niki Lau, and infielders Alex Schultz and Breanna Shaw walked to load the bases and Williams, a senior from Cleveland, N.C., contributed a two-out, two-run single.

The Terps (0-1) added another run in their half of the second inning when Schultz's RBI single scored pinch-runner Lauren Ghent. A pair of newcomers - Branson and catcher Lydia Fowler - recorded hits in their respective first career at bats at Maryland to make the scoring situation possible. Fowler led off the inning with a single and Branson followed by doubling to left field.

Sophomore Kerry Hickey pitched four strong innings in relief, allowing just one earned run on three hits while striking out three. Senior pitcher Sarah Dooley (0-1) took the loss for the Terps after pitching the first three innings.

Whitney Mollica hit a grand slam in the second inning and Jessica Serio added a solo home run to lead Massachusetts (1-0). Reigning Easton All-American pitcher Brandice Balschmiter (1-0) went the distance on the mound for the Minutewomen.

Looking to develop its young squad, Maryland started four newcomers against Massachusetts, with Branson, Fowler, outfielder Nadine Blackie and outfielder Michelle Takeda each in the lineup.

The Terps return to action at 8 p.m. tonight when they take on tournament host Florida Atlantic in their second of five games as part of the FAU Kick-Off Classic.

Massachusetts   250 001 0 -  8  8  1
Maryland        210 000 0 -  3  7  1