WEST CHESTER, PA. (March 2, 2008) – The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania softball made its varsity debut against West Chester University Sunday afternoon by dropping a doubleheader in the season openers for both schools. (GAME 1 BOXSCORE) (GAME 2 BOXSCORE)

West Chester won the opening game, 48-0, and the second game, 30-0.

Latoya Milstrey (Union, NJ/Union) (0-2) took the loss for Lincoln in each game. Milstrey made history as she was the first official batter for the Lady Lions softball program (see picture). Junior Tanina Cook (Landover, MD/Charles H. Flowers) registered both hits on the afternoon for the Lions, going 1-for-2 in each contest. Alisa Davis (Gloucester, NJ/Gloucester County Tech) reached base in the second game via a walk.

West Chester's winning pitchers were junior Shannon Padula (1-0), who struck out nine batters over four innings, and Ashley Saussaman tossed the final three innings, striking out nine and walking one without allowing a hit to earn her first career win.

Megan Layburn was 5-for-5 as well with three RBI and four runs scored, and Padula went 5-for-5 at the plate with five RBI and four runs scored. Stefani Kerbacher was 3-for-3 with four RBI. Tara Colantuono scored five runs for the Golden Rams. Meghan Halberstadt went 4-for-5 with four RBI and four runs scored. Jackie DiPaola went 4-for-5 with a game-high six RBI and five runs scored.

In the second game for West Chester, Bria Scheb went 4-for-5 with three RBI while Kelsey Rapp went 1-for-2 with four RBI. Megan Layburn was 2-for-3 with three RBI. She went 7-for-8 with six RBI combined in the twinbill. Megan Harbaugh was 3-for-3 with four RBI, including a three-run home run.

Lincoln returns to action when it hosts Gallaudet University on Thursday March 12, 2008 for a doubleheader beginning at 3:00 p.m. It will be the first home softball game in Lincoln's history.

--LU--