Game 1 Box Score / Game 2 Box Score

FT. MYERS, Fla. - Freshman Jen Bach (Lansdale, PA/Gwynedd Mercy Academy) hit a two-run home run off the first collegiate pitch she faced, but it wasn't enough as the Rensselaer softball team dropped its 2008 season opening games.  The Red Hawks fell to the College of St. Joseph's (ME), 13-9, before losing to Wheaton (MA), 6-3.

In game one, RPI jumped out to a 4-2 lead in the first inning and led by as many as four runs (8-4) entering the sixth inning.  But an eight-run inning by St. Joseph's spirited a come-from-behind effort to lead the Monks to the win.

In addition to Bach, who went 2 for 4 with two runs batted in, the Red Hawks saw senior Beth Gargon (East Hampton, CT/East Hampton) go 3 for 4, including a home run and three RBI.

Sophomore Michelle Bianchetti (Highland Mills, NY/John S. Burke Catholic) pitched 6.1 innings before giving way to freshman Felicia Bua (Gilford, NH/Gilford).

Rensselaer     4  0  1  3  0  0  1  -- 9   11   4
St. Joseph's    2  1  0  0  1  8  1  -- 13 14   3

CSJ: Wezeowicz (7) and Howard;  RPI: Bianchetti (6 1/3); Bua (2/3) and Gargon

Game two saw junior Julianne Bass (Costa Mesa, CA/Newport Harbor) go 2 for 3 with a two-run homer. Wheaton held a 6-1 lead entering the sixth inning before Bass's home run, but it wasn't enough for the Red Hawks comeback as the Lions went on to close out the game.

Senior Jodi Moynagh picked up the win for Wheaton while sophomore Michelle Street (East Syracuse, NY/East Syracuse-Minoa) shouldered the loss for RPI.  She went 4.0 innings before giving way to Bua, who pitched the final two innings.

Rensselaer    1  0  0  0  0  2  0  --  3  6  5
Wheaton         1  1  2  1  1  0  x   --  6  7  2

WC: Moynagh (7); RPI: Street (L, 4); Bua (3) and Gargon.

The Red Hawks continue action in Florida on Sunday afternoon when they face Lesley College (1pm) and Pine Manor (5pm).