Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 | Box Score 3 | Box Score 4 COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VA- The VSU Trojan softball team opened their 2018 season on February 24-25 after numerous cancelations due to Mother Nature. The Trojans took on Slippery Rock University (SRU) in a 4 game weekend series at Civic Field in Colonial Heights, VA. Although VSU was not able to collect a win in their opening weekend (6-3, 3-0, 9-1, 3-2), new head coach Lynne Gilbert, her coaching staff and the team were able to get a gauge on how well the teams returners and newcomers would mesh on the field.

THE BASICS
WEEKEND SERIES | Virginia State 0, Slippery Rock 4
GAME BY GAME| 6-3, 3-0, 9-1, 3-2
RECORDS | Virginia State 0-4, Slippery Rock 7-2
LOCATION | Civic Field- Colonial Heights, VA
 
DAY 1
Slippery Rock took charge of game 1 early with 5 runs in the first 3 innings. Senior Tatyana Jordan gave the Trojans the first run of the season and the contest after an error by SRU's second baseman. In the next play, rookie Samantha Cunningham zoomed across home plate to give the Trojans another run. VSU's defense held Slippery Rock off in the 5^th inning. The Trojans worked to rally back as junior Amirah Chaney advanced home, making the score 5-3 at the bottom of the 6^th. Slippery Rock would gain an additional run at the top of the 7^th inning, giving game 1 a final score of 6-3.
 
VSU's defense worked hard in game 2, holding SRU down for the first 6 innings. Sophomore transfer Kennedy Pesson lead the Trojans with 10 putouts. In the 7^th inning, Slippery Rock gained the only 3 runs of the contest.  
 
DAY 2
Leading off in the first game of day 2, senior Ayannah Bowman gave the Trojans their only run of the game at the bottom of the first inning. SRU crossed home plate for the remainder of the game, closing out the contest with a final score of 9-1.
 
The Trojans battled hard in the final game of the weekend series, despite taking a 3-2 loss. VSU's defense covered the field, only allowing SRU to score in the 3^rd inning. Going into the final inning of the game, the Trojans trailed 3-0. With 2 outs on the board and 2 runner on base, rookie Darnae Jones hit a double to center field, putting VSU on the board. Although they rallied back, the Trojans were not able to take the win.
 
UP NEXT
The Virginia State University softball team will take on Southside Virginia Community College on Tuesday, February 27 for a 5pm single game matchup. The game will be held at the Civic Field in Colonial Heights, VA.
 
For the most up-to-date information on VSU softball please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.