CONWAY, S.C. - Mason softball opened the 2012 season with a split of a doubleheader on Friday.  The Patriots started the season with a 5-4 victory over local rival George Washington and then fell in the second game of the day, 8-4 to Marshall.

The Patriots were led in game one by senior shortstop Rachael Davies' two hits and two RBI's and junior first baseman Reagan Doiron's two hits and two runs scored.  The Colonials jumped ahead in the game by scoring a run in each of the first two innings before Mason was able to tie the game in the bottom of the second inning.  The Patriots then scored their final three more runs in the third inning, which was enough to hold off GW's late sixth inning comeback attempt.

Freshman standout Casey Herring picked up the win for Mason with five innings pitched, scattering six hits, striking out three and giving up three earned runs. 

In the second game of the day, Mason was defeated by Marshall due in large part to a four-run second inning by the Herd.  The Patriots battled throughout the game, scoring two runs in the first, one run in the fifth and their final two runs in the top of the seventh inning.

Despite the loss, Mason received impressive performances from senior leaders Tori Dudley and Alyssa See.  Both Dudley and See went two for three at the plate, while combining to score four out of Mason's five total runs. 

Mason will be back on the field on Saturday for the second day of the Kickin' Chicken Classic with games against Coastal Carolina at 2pm and Georgia Southern at 6:30pm.