Softball Drops A Pair Of Two-Run Games At FSU

North Florida Box

Jacksonville Box

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Bethune-Cookman opened the 2013 season Saturday with a pair of two-run losses Saturday at the Panhandle Invitational.

North Florida downed the Wildcats 3-1, then Jacksonville posted a 2-0 decision.

Aurelia Gamch had four hits for B-CU in the two games, including a 3-3 effort in the opener.

Against North Florida, the Wildcats got on the board in the seventh when Michelle Banuelos-Smith led off with a double and scored on a throwing error after Simone Ceasar singled.

B-CU had a pair of early scoring opportunities. In the first, Gamch hit a one-out double but was left stranded while in third, Calesha Shelley singled and stole second, but  was thrown out at home trying to score on Gamch's single.

Against Jacksonville, B-CU loaded the bases in the first when Shelley bunt singled, Ceasar singled and Banuelos-Smith singled, but the Wildcats couldn't capitalize.

Banuelos-Smith and Kelsey doubled and walked to lead off the fourth, but were left stranded.

Shanel Tolbert picked up the loss in both games, giving up three earned runs in 10.1 innings. Samantha Gale worked two scoreless innings in relief.

B-CU faces North Florida again Sunday morning, then concludes its tournament schedule with nationally-ranked Florida State.