Boxscore

PEMBROKE, NC. (February 3, 2012)—The Kutztown University softball team defeated the University of North Carolina-Pembroke, 3-1 in its season-opener in Pembroke, NC on Friday afternoon.

The Golden Bears (1-0 overall) took advantage of the Braves' (0-1 overall) four errors to capitalize on offense. Kutztown's tight defense gave it breathing room as it used just five hits to Pembroke's eight to record the win.

With the game tied 1-1 heading into the top of the fourth inning, it was senior Heather Hannum (Horsham, PA/Hatboro-Horsham)'s (Horsham, PA/ Hatboro-Horsham) solo homerun over leftfield that pushed KU to a 2-1 advantage. The Golden Bears returned in the seventh inning to add another run on the board. Junior Brianna Knipe (Bethlehem, PA/Liberty) (Bethlehem, PA/ Liberty) got it started by reaching on an error. Knipe then advanced to second base after Hannum laid down a sacrifice bunt. Senior Nicole Colineri (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) (Scotch Plains, NJ/ Scotch Plains-Fanwood) singled up the middle allowing Knipe to score.

Kutztown got on top quickly in the first inning after two Pembroke errors gave it the 1-0 lead. The Braves responded in the third inning as Jamie Burwell led off with a single and then moved to third after consecutive sacrifice bunts by K. Wilson and Taylor Cloninger. With two outs, Burwell scored the Braves' only run after Megan Hillard singled to left field.

Knipe, along with senior Nicole Henninger (Reading, PA./Muhlenberg) (Reading, PA/ Muhlenberg) each recorded hits.  Freshman Kelly Strittmatter (Wyckoff, NJ/Indian Hills) (Wyckoff, NJ/ Indian Hills) also recorded her first career hit as a Golden Bear.

Sophomore pitcher Samantha Derr (Lititz, PA/Warwick) (Lititz, PA/ Warwick) earned the win for the Golden Bears. Derr threw all seven innings and struck out three batters.

Pembroke's Kristen Hobbs was 3-for-3 and Hillard was 3-for-4 against Derr. Wilson and Cloninger each finished with a hit.

Burwell took the loss for Pembroke as she finished with four strikeouts.

Kutztown and UNC-Pembroke will face each other on Saturday, Feb. 4 for a doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m.