Box Score

FAIRFAX, Va.—The Big Red softball team opened its 2009 season with an 8-1 win over Saint Joseph's at the George Mason Invitational on Saturday afternoon. Sophomore Elizabeth Dalrymple struck out nine batters to earn her first win of the season. Junior Elise Menaker led the Big Red at the plate going two-for-four with a double and two RBI.

The Big Red and Saint Joseph's were scoreless after two innings, but Cornell quickly took charge in the bottom of the third. With two outs and the bases loaded Alyson Intihar was hit by a pitch to drive in Cornell's first run. All of the Big Red base runners advanced and Meg Risica scored on a passed ball. Menaker drove in two runs for the Big Red with a single to first base. A single by Ashley Garvey drove in another run to give Cornell a 5-0 lead heading into the fourth inning.

Saint Joseph's scored its only run of the game in the top of the fourth. Dalrymple struck the first batter out, but Brooke Darreff hit a double to left field. The base runner advanced to third on a passed ball, and scored an unearned run when Dana Bieniek grounded out to second base.

The Big Red had two runners on base from walks before Lauren Pembleton came in to pitch. Intihar loaded the bases with a single to third base and advanced on a throwing error. Menaker doubled to left field to drive in two more runs for Cornell.

Jenna Stoller came in to pitch for Cornell in the last inning and struck out the last two batters of the game.

Saint Joseph's had three errors, while Cornell had none.

The Big Red plays Akron on Saturday afternoon.