Feb. 17, 2006

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - George Mason opened the season with losses to both Utah Valley State and Miami (Ohio) on Friday at the Troy Cox Classic, held at the NMSU Softball Field in Las Cruces, N.M.

The Patriots lost the opening game of the season in heartbreaking fashion to Utah Valley State 5-4 in eight innings, and lost to Miami (Ohio) later in the afternoon 12-4.

In the first game, a game-winning two-run home run in the top of the eighth inning by left fielder Chris Jimenez lifted Utah Valley State past the Patriots 5-4. The home run was one of only two hits in the game for the Wolverines. The Patriots tallied seven hits in the game.

Despite being charged with the loss, George Mason starting pitcher Arielle Weinkofsky had a strong outing in her season debut, allowing two earned runs on two hits in eight innings of work. Utah Valley State starter Jackie Roberts also threw well, picking up the win with 11 strikeouts and only one walk allowed in eight innings pitched.

In the second game of the afternoon, the Patriots jumped out to a 4-1 lead heading into the bottom half of the second inning. Miami (Ohio) scored the next 11 runs and the game was halted in the fifth as a result of the run-rule with Mason trailing 12-4. Left fielder Ciera Jones had a fine day at the plate against the RedHawks, going 3-for-3 with one run and one RBI. Including her performance against Utah Valley State, Jones had five hits and three RBI on the day.

The Patriots will attempt to notch their first victory of the season tomorrow at the Troy Cox Classic, when they face Morehead State at 1:30 p.m. ET and New Mexico State University at 4 p.m. ET.