GREENEVILLE, Tenn. - The Kutztown University softball team fought back hard but its comeback effort but ultimately fell short in a 6-4 loss to the University of Virginia-Wise on Friday in its opener of the Pioneer Classic at Tusculum College.

Nicki Mann (Greentown, Pa./Wallenpaupack Area), Danielle Sienko (Philadelphia, Pa./William Penn Charter), Savannah Nierintz (Clifton Heights, Pa./Upper Darby) and Gabby Tareila (Limerick, Pa./Spring-Ford) all had RBIs in the losing effort. Nierintz pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out four and only allowing four hits in relief.

Virginia-Wise jumped out to a 6-0 lead after the first inning. Kutztown battled back all afternoon, especially with a strong fourth inning. Kutztown generated four runs and four hits in the fourth. The Golden Bears could only generate three hits the rest of the afternoon.

Erika McLaughlin led the way for the Cavs (3-0). She finished the game 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored.

Kutztown returns to action with two games on Saturday. The Golden Bears take on Goldey-Beacom University at 9 a.m. and then follow it with a matchup against Shepherd University at 3 p.m. Both games will be held at Red Edmonds Field.