PEMBROKE, N.C. – Savannah Nierintz (Clifton Heights, Pa./Upper Darby) took a shutout into the seventh inning, but an error to open the inning followed by three singles downed the Kutztown University softball team, 1-0, to UNC Pembroke on Friday evening in both team's season-opener's at Pembroke's Campbell Oil/Minuteman Invitational, presented by Sunoco.
 
In the bottom of the seventh, Pembroke's Morgan Davis reached on a throwing error by the KU third baseman. Nierintz forced a foul-out the following batter, but a bunt-single to the catcher and an infield single to third loaded the bases with one out. With the infield in and needing to get the runner out at home, Pembroke's Abbey Walters singled through the left side to score Davis for the walk-off win, an unearned run against Nierintz.
 
The three hits in the inning for Pembroke (1-0) were the same as the Golden Bears (0-1) had all game. UNCP had nine total hits off Nierintz, who threw 110 pitches (67 strikes) and ended with four walks and two strikeouts in 6.1 innings.
 
Kutztown featured a young lineup, as underclassman represented the top five hitters in its season-opening lineup, including freshmen in the top-two spots. Freshman leadoff hitter Sara Keeny (Warminster, Pa./William Tennent), along with sophomores Bridget Newman (Ardmore, Pa./Haverford) and Nicki Mann (Greentown, Pa./Wallenpaupack Area) had KU's three hits.
 
Walters' walk-off hit capped her 3-for-4 day at the plate for the Braves.
 
The Golden Bears get their shot at redemption on Saturday, Feb. 6 with a rematch against UNC Pembroke at 10:30 a.m.