RAMS DROP SEASON OPENER

SALISBURY, NC -- The Shepherd College softball team dropped an 11-6 contest to Lake Superior State (MI) in the Catawba College Softball Tournament.

Jean Pergande went the distance to pick up the win for the Lakers. She helped her own cause with a home run that keyed a nine-run second inning.

Shepherd rallied with three runs in the top of the third. Shannon Smiles (Williamsport/Hagerstown, MD) led off with a triple and Shea Sirbaugh (Berkeley Springs/Berkeley Springs, WV) walked. Amanda Fleming (Hancock/Hancock, MD) followed with an RBI-double to score Smiles and Sirbaugh. Jessica Sturgill (North Harford/Whiteford, MD) later singled to score Fleming.

There was no more scoring in the game until Shepherd added a pair of runs in the seventh. The contest in played in the rain and at near freezing temperatures.

Sturgill and freshman shortstop Vickie McGilton (University/Morgantown, WV) each had three hits to lead the Rams. McGilton also had four runs batted in. Fleming added a pair of hits.

Smiles had five strikeouts in relief of starter Jill Hood (Middletown/Middletown, MD). Pergande had four strikeouts for Lake Superior State.

The Rams are 0-1 on the season. All remaining tournament games scheduled for today have been called off. The games may be rescheduled for Sunday depending on the weather and field conditions.

Shepherd 103 000 2 6 -10 -1

Lake Superior St. 290 000 X 11 -10 -3

LSS: Pergande and Brooks; SC: Hood, Smiles (2) and Vickers.

WP: Pergande

LP: Hood (0-1)