Box Score 1 | Box Score 2



PEMBROKE, N.C. – The Kutztown University softball team opened up its 2020 season Friday, playing the program's first ever games in the month of January. KU scored three runs in the final two innings, but was unable to rally all the way back in falling to host UNC Pembroke 7-4 in the opener of a scheduled double-header that was eventually cut short due to rain. Game two, played the next day, Saturday, resulted in a 6-5 setback in nine innings.
 
The Golden Bears (0-1 overall) have never started a season as early as they did this year, and were unsuccessful in their first opportunity to win the program's first-ever game in January, but still have one more chance to do so. Game two, which was tied at 5-5 heading into extra innings, was suspended due to rain and will pick back up in a fresh top of the eighth inning, tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 1. The game will still officially count as being played on Jan. 31, and therefore the Maroon and Gold can still claim that coveted program first Saturday.
 
Kutztown fell behind 4-0 after two innings of play in game one. Pembroke brought home three runs in its first at-bats and then another in the bottom of the second.
 
KU got onto the scoreboard in the top of the third inning thanks to an RBI double to left center field by junior Jenna Lipowski (Nanticoke, Pa./Greater Nanticoke Area) that scored Kate Ostaszewski (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan). Ostaszewski, along with juniors Alyssa Oakley (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) and Alyssa Donato (Cedarville, N.J./Cumberland Regional) all finished with two hits. Lipowski, senior Taylor Knappenberger (Schnecksville, Pa./Parkland), Hannah Auvil (Baltimore, Md./Sparrows Point) and freshman Brittany Hubler (Hatboro, Pa./Hatboro-Horsham) each recorded a hit for KU.
 
Trailing 7-1 heading into the top of the sixth, the Maroon and Gold began a comeback attempt. Knappenberger led off with a walk, and two batters later, Oakley singled to right field sending Knappenberger across the plate.
 
Then in the top of the seventh, Donato connected for a long drive over the center field wall that cut the Kutztown deficit to 7-4 with nobody out. It was her fifth career homerun. Unfortunately, the rally stopped there as the Bravehawks were able to record three outs to secure the victory.
 
Due to continued impending rain throughout Friday, Kutztown will continue its game with the Bravehawks Saturday at a time to be determined. KU will then take on West Virginia State in a doubleheader to follow.