Cape Coral, FL - Saint Joseph's Softball got off to a rough start today, but howed the promise of better times ahead. The newest members, a corps of 5 talented freshmen, stepped into their first collegiate experience with great zest and enthusiasm, playing like it was nothing new to them, and the seasoned group of 11 returners led the newcomers with an attitude of confidence and a positive spirit.

We all know that the first time outside of the gym each spring for we New England teams, playing on a real softball field, is always a test, and so it was as Saint Joseph's College (0-2) started off its 2007 season with a tough 5-4 loss to Ohio Wesleyan University (2-0). Frosh Jillian Kimball (Albany Twp, Me.) whacked a leadoff double in her college softball debut! Sophomore pitcher Gabrielle Burrola(Gallup, N.M.) took the loss for St. Joe's

However, the Lady Monks took a deep breath, regrouped, and tried again, but it was not to be. The Owls of Keene State College (NH) denied Saint Joseph's in five innings of play, the game being called under the 8-run rule with Keene defeating Saint Joseph's 11-2 at the Northwest Cape Coral Sports Complex in Cape Coral, Florida. Veteran Colleen Delahanty (Warren, Me.) took the second loss for St. Joe's; rookie Christy Wezowicz (Granville, Mass.), in her collegiate debut, faced 3 batters striking out one and allowing no hits.

Other highlights of today's games were the terrific defensive plays provided by FY Anna Willis (Gorham, Me.) and FY Liddy van der Linden (Worcester, Mass.)The ladies will be back in action tomorrow, March 12, at the Cape Coral Sports Complex facing Illinois College at 9 AM and Rutgers-Newark University at 1 PM.