KISSIMMEE, Fla. (3/12/11) – The Kean
University softball team opened up the 2011 season at the Rebel
Spring Games, falling to Mount Union University, 1-0, and Simpson
University, 7-5.
GAME ONE: Cougars Fall in Season Opener,
1-0
Senior right-hander Courtney
Smyth allowed just two hits in the season opener,
however the Cougars were unable to plate a run, as 
Mount Union University posted a 1-0 win behind 13 strikeouts from
pitcher Rachel McAninch.
Raider centerfielder Kristen Gromes reached on an error
to lead off the bottom of the fourth inning and after advancing to
second on a bunt, she scored on a single by left fielder Sarah
Woody.
For the Cougars, right-fielder Sandra
Binkiewicz went 1-of-3 with a single in her first career
at-bat. Junior shortstop Alicia
Banz also added a single and finished 1-of-3.
Smyth (pictured left) struck out two batters and allowed just two
walks in the pitcher's circle.
In the victory, McAninch allowed just two hits and no walks, as
she struck out 13 of the 24 batters faced.
GAME TWO: Seventh Inning Lifts Simpson Past Kean,
7-5
Simpson University plated three runs in the top of the seventh
inning, as they rallied past the Cougars, 7-5, in Kean's second
game of the afternoon.
With the game tied at 1-1 after the first inning, Kean took a
4-1 lead with three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Sophomore left fielder Katie
Schuh had a two-out triple to drive in a pair of runs
and would score on a RBI single by Sandra
Binkiewicz.
Simpson answered right back with three runs in the top of the
fifth inning, as Keri Sorensen had a two-run double and
catcher Allie Hock had a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 4-4.
Two innings later, the Storm scored all three runs with two
outs, with centerfielder Kiersten Ruff had a RBI single
and Hillary Harmon followed with a RBI double, before she
scored on a Cougar error to give Simpson the 7-4 lead.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Cougars were able to get one
run back and had the tying run on first base, before the Storm
closed out the win with a groundout.
Binkiewicz (pictured right) led the Cougars at the plate, as she
went 3-of-4 with one run scored and one RBI.
