BUIES, CREEK- N.C.- Courtney Roberts' three-hit shutout led Campbell to a 3-0 victory to open the 2014 softball season Friday in the Hampton Inn of Dunn Invitational. The Camels fell to Massachusetts Lowell 8-7 in their second game of the day.
In the opener, Roberts pitched seven innings striking out one and walking two. Stephanie Jones paced the Camels with a 3-for-3 day at the plate, also scoring a run.
After leaving the bases loaded in the first, Campbell scored all three of its runs in the third inning capitalizing on one error committed by Valparaiso. Designated player Olivia Scarborough drove in one run during the third inning rally.
Valparaiso was led by third basemen Samantha Stewart, who had two of team's three hits. Sierra Pico went the distance in a losing effort for the Crusaders, throwing six innings allowing seven hits, two earned runs, walking three and striking out one.
In the second game of the day, UMass Lowell scored six runs to take the lead in the sixth inning. Julia Callicutt took the loss for the Camels, allowing three runs on two hits and two walks. UMass Lowell winning pitcher Marielle Handley pitched four innings surrendering nine hits, six runs and allowing only one earned run.
Campbell answered by scoring one run in the bottom of the sixth. The River Hawks tallied a run to take the lead in the top of the seventh and never relinquished it.
Ericka Nesbitt and Stephanie Jones led Campbell with two hits apiece. Freshmen Milly Martinet added one hit with two RBI.
In anticipation of inclement weather, Campbell will be playing at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow against IPFW. UMass Lowell will be taking on IPFW at 3:00 p.m., and Valparaiso vs. Seton Hall will begin at 8:00 p.m. On Sunday, Campbell will be taking on Seton Hall at 11:00 a.m. and Valparaiso will play UMass Lowell at 1:30 p.m.
