Softball Falls in Season Opener to No. 25 Louisville

Feb. 10, 2012

MIAMI - - The Michigan State softball team had a slow start to their season as rain delayed the game for over three hours on Friday (Feb.10). The Spartans lost to No. 25 Louisville 4-1 in the opening game of the Florida International Combat Classic in Miami.

Louisville got on the boards early as Jennifer Esteban posted a lead-off single to start the game and then stole second base. Batting next for the Cardinals was Katie Keller, her fly ball to right field was enough for Esteban to reach third. A ground out to third base advanced the runner and put Louisville up 1-0.

Michigan State came back to even the score in the third inning. With one out, freshman Alyssa McBride started the Spartans with a single to shortstop then senior Lori Padilla laid down a bunt to put McBride into scoring position. Kylene Hopkins earned her first RBI of the season as she knocked a single into center field, sending McBride home. Junior Shelby Wise followed up on the mound by striking out Louisville's Jordan Trimble in a 1-2-3 inning.

The Cards regained the lead in fourth with a two-run homer from Taner Fowler, then earned the final run in the fifth inning. With a runner on first and third, Maggie Ruckenbrod hit a sacrifice fly to right field, sending the runner home and notching a 4-1 lead.

The Spartans return to action tonight when they face Florida Atlantic at 10 p.m. in game two of the Combat Classic.