The Bears softball team opened its season, going 4-1 over last weekend and will play its first home game today against the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions, before competing in the New Mexico Tournament this weekend.
The Bears opened the season with a 12-0 victory over the Alcorn State Lady Braves Feb. 9 in Lorman, Miss.
The Bears won the Southern Miss Coca Cola Classic tournament in Hattiesburg, Miss. After losing a game to Rhode Island Rams in the tournament 6-5 on Feb. 11, the Bears came back and beat the Rams in the tournament Feb. 12, 10-2. The Bears also beat the Southern Miss. Golden Eagles 10-9 on Feb. 12 to win the tournament.
The Bears trailed the Golden Eagles 7-1 after five innings, but were able to score nine runs in the final two innings to win the game.
Two Golden Eagle errors and five walks helped the Bears to a six run sixth-inning to tie the game at seven, heading into the seventh inning.
Two RBI singles by Stephanie Lasley and Melissa Bryant scored three runs for the Bears, giving them a 10-7 lead, heading into the last half-inning of the game.
The Golden Eagles scored two runs in the seventh, but could not retake the lead.
It was the first win for the Bears against the Golden Eagles in five games.
Coach David Kuhn said the Bears have been practicing five days a week in order to be ready for their games.
Today’s game against the Lions is at 3 p.m.
Kuhn said he is excited for the team’s first home game.
The New Mexico tournament will begin Friday. The Bears will kick off the tournament against the Northern Colorado Bears at 12 p.m. The Bears will also play against the New Mexico Lobos.
Kuhn said he is not sure how the tournament will go because the Bears have no history with their team.
The Bears will also face the Bryant Bulldogs and the Purdue Boilermakers.
