The University of Maine softball team opened their 2024 season on Friday and Saturday, competing in four games against four different teams at the Kajikawa Classic at the Grand Canyon University Softball Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona.
On Friday- Maine would fall 10-5 to Weber State University and 10-1 in five innings (mercy rule) to the hosts from Grand Canyon University to get their season underway. Nora Campo had a two-run double and Anna Margetis had a two-run homerun in the loss to Weber State. Krista Francia also had two hits. Caitlyn Fallon took the defeat in the circle allowing six runs on six hits in 3.2 innings. Campo provided the only offense for the Black Bears in the nightcap against Grand Canyon University with a solo homer. Kenedee Giddens, Francia, and Katie Jo Moery also had one hit each. Isabelle True was tagged with the pitching loss allowing eight runs (five earned) on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts in 2.1 innings.
On Saturday- Maine would finish the weekend with 9-0 and 9-1 losses to Wisconsin and Arizona State both in five innings (mercy). Kyli Hernandez, Francia, Moery, and T Smith had a hit each to lead the Black Bears against the Badgers. Kaly Thomas took the loss in the circle allowing six runs (five earned) on four hits with three walks and two strikeouts in 1.1 innings. Kennedy Burns and Margetis had the only two hits in the loss in the nightcap against the Sun Devils. Giddens scored the only run of the day for Maine on a passed ball in the fifth inning after she pinch ran for Campo who had reached on an error. Alysen Reith suffered the pitching loss allowing five runs on four hits with four walks and two strikeouts in 2.2 innings.
Maine continues their spring trip with four games at the Joan Joyce Classic in Boca Raton, Florida next Friday and Saturday. The Black Bears play Michigan and Florida Atlantic University on Friday, before facing Louisville and Seton Hall on Saturday. They are scheduled to play a total of 25 games on the season opening trip. They finally return back East on March 19 for a single game at Boston College, while the America East opening series is set for March 23 and 24 at UMBC (three games). The home openers in Orono are also in conference action scheduled for March 30 (doubleheader) and March 31 (single game) against Albany.
Story by Chris Lessner
