Sophomore Michelle Derochers hit 2-for-3 in the Ravens season opener

2002 GENE CUSIC CLASSIC
FP
Falls to North Central College in Extra Innings, 3-1

FT. MYERS, FLA. (March 16, 2002) - The Franklin Pierce University
softball team opened up the regular season at the 2002 Gene Cusic Classic with a 3-1 loss to North Central College in non-conference action this afternoon.

Both teams were scoreless heading into the extra inning until North Central scored three devastating runs to lead off the eighth. North Central's Jackie Kay scored from second after a misplay on an Ashley Roberts bunt to put the Cardinals up by one.

Renee Miklosik then stepped up to the plate and knocked a ground ball to second, but a throwing error to first allowed her to reach first and advance Roberts to second. With runners at first and second, Lynn Benson grounded to shortstop, but another throwing error to first allowed the runners to score and take a 3-0 lead heading into the bottom of the eighth.

FPC's Carolyn Hall (Whitman, Mass./Whitman-Hanson) hit an RBI double to spark the offense, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Cardinals.

North Central's Kristen Heinaman allowed one earned run on five hits, struck out one batter and walked none for the win. Sophomore Kalene Wotton (Westminster, Mass./Oakmont) allowed no earned runs on two hits, struck out four batters and walked none despite the loss.

FPC's Michelle Derochers (Billerica, Mass./Billerica) batted 2-for-3, while newcomer Sonja Johnson (Ashby, Mass./North Middlesex Regional) added a double.

FP
(0-1) continues its play in the 2002 Gene Cusic Classic tomorrow with a matchup against Bowdoin College at 9 a.m. followed by a battle with Mount Holyoke College at 11 a.m.

Teams	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	R	H	E
NCC	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	3	2	0
FPC	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	5	4

Battery
NCC: Kristen Heinaman (1-0) and Jackie Kay
FPC: Kalene Wotton (0-1) and Julie Haight