March 6, 2009

George Mason Invitational Central
Box Score

FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason softball team opened play in the 2009 George Mason Invitational on Friday afternoon in strong fashion, downing Niagara, 2-1, at George Mason Field. Mason snapped a two-game losing streak with the victory.

The Patriots (7-6) saw four different players notch a hit, led by a 2-for-3 day from freshman Miranda Cranford. In the circle, junior Becky Anderson (5-2) pieced together a complete-game, five-hit outing to pick up the win. Michelle Krier took the loss for the Purple Eagles (7-2), allowing both Mason runs in 5.2 innings of work.

Mason plated two runs in the bottom of the first as freshman Morgan Davis lined a double down the left field line. The Purple Eagles threatened their next time up, putting runners on second and third but Anderson tossed a called third strike to end the threat.

After holding Niagara scoreless, the Patriots found themselves in another jam two innings later, but the Purple Eagles were able to capitalize. An Anthon walk jammed the bases, and after a strikeout, Kristin Sito pushed through a run with a single to second base. Before the Purple Eagles had a chance to tie the game, Mason induced a popup to end the threat.

From there, Anderson and the Patriots shut down the Purple Eagles. NU could muster just one more hit as Mason held them off to earn the tournament-opening victory.

The Patriots will be back in action as the George Mason Invitational continues Saturday. Mason play a doubleheader to open the game, facing Central Connecticut State at 9:30 a.m. with a tilt against Cornell immediately following.