SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- The University of Maine softball team opened their 2020 season with a split of a doubleheader. The Black Bears took game one against La Salle, 4-2, while they dropped the second game of the day to Virginia, 1-0.
 
Game One -- Maine: 4 La Salle: 2
 
La Salle struck for the first runs of the ballgame with a double in the top of the third inning. With runners on first and third, Ashley Mendenhall cleared the bases with a double down the left field line. After the top of the third, Maine trailed 2-0.
 
With two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning, Kya Enos singled home Emma Larke, who stood on second base. Grace McGouldrick singled to shortstop before Kelby Drews stepped to the plate. The sophomore shortstop launched a three run home run to give the Black Bears a 4-2 lead after six complete in South Carolina.
 
Kyleigh O'Donnell shut the door on La Salle with 4.0 innings of scoreless relief work.
 
Notes:

• Grace McGouldrick, Kya Enos, and Kelby Drews all recorded hits in the season opener. McGouldrick scored a run and stole two bases. Enos recorded an RBI, while Drews hit a three-run homerun.
• Kyleigh O'Donnell (1-0) went all 4.0 innings for the Black Bears. The junior struck out three and did not allow a run. Emily Reid started the game, going 3.0 innings, allowing two earned, and also striking out three.

 
Game Two -- Maine: 0 Virginia: 1
 
The Black Bears threatened in the top of the second inning with a bases loaded, no outs opportunity. Unfortunately, Maine was unable to push across a run.
 
Maine's pitchers were nearly perfect for the first five innings of the contest. Gabbie Siciliano and Lilly Volk made quick work of the Virginia line-up by allowing only two hits throughout the first 15 outs.
 
Virginia scored the lone run of the game in the bottom of the sixth on a Donna Friedman RBI single.
 
Notes:

• Kelby Drews, Grace McGouldrick, and Jasmine Gray all recorded hits in the afternoon non-conference ball game for the Black Bears.
• Gabbie Siciliano went the first 4.0 innings, allowed no runs, one hit, and struck out three. Lilly Volk (0-1) finished the game, allowed one earned, gave up only two hits, and also struck out two.

 
Next: The Black Bears return to the diamond tomorrow morning, Saturday, February 22nd. First pitch against Tennessee Tech is scheduled for 11:00 am.
 
-UMaine-