Softball Opens Season with Two Victories

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (3/10/07) - Sophomore right-hander Meg Gierke (Glen Gardner, N.J.) tossed a two-hitter as the Kean University softball team defeated third-ranked Washington University (St. Louis), 5-0, in the nightcap at the Rebel Spring Games on Saturday afternoon. Earlier in the day, sophomore outfielder Jesse Buchanan (Washington Twp., N.J.) went 4-for-4 with two stolen bases as the Cougars opened the 2007 campaign with a 6-1 victory over Hendrix College.

GAME ONE: Buchanan, Hennings Leads Cougars to Season-Opening Victory

Junior right-hander Kristen Hennings (Jackson, N.J.) had five strikeouts and allowed five hits as the Cougars defeated Hendrix College, 6-1, in the season-opener.

Sophomore Sara Steinman (Springfield, N.J.) made her Kean debut with a 2-for-3 performance, while junior Katy McManus (Edison, N.J.) also went 2-for-3 with three runs scored.

GAME TWO: Gierke Tosses Two-Hitter in Shutout of Third Ranked Bears

Sophomore right-hander Meg Gierke (Glen Gardner, N.J.) had six strike-outs and allowed just two hits to shut down #3 Washington University (St. Louis).

Sophomore outfielder Jesse Buchanan (Washington Twp., N.J.) was 3-for-4 with one RBI, while sophomore Sara Steinman (Springfield, N.J.) was 2-for-4 with two RBI.

Junior shortstop Johanna Hedler (South Plainfield, N.J.) added two hits and an RBI as the Cougars opened the season 2-0.

Kean returns to action on Sunday afternoon, when they face Manhattanville College (1 p.m.) and Franklin & Marshall College (5 p.m.).