TUCSON, Ariz. – UGF softball earned its first hit, first run, and first win of the season, splitting their first two contests, losing 2-0 to the (RV) Madonna University (Mich.) and defeating the University of Michigan-Dearborn 2-1.

"Although we split on the day, we didn't play up to our potential in either game," head coach Joey Egan said. "We're hoping to grow and get better for our games tomorrow. Our pitching staff did very well today."

The Lady Argo's first hit of the season came from senior shortstop Mindy Larson in the first inning of the team's game against the Crusaders. Larson then stole second and reached third off of a wild pitch but finished the inning stranded at third and unable to give UGF an early lead.

Madonna scored the first run of the game in the second inning and the Lady Argos were only able to get one more hit during the game.

UGF's pitchers faired well in their action of the year. Junior Shelby Abeyta started the game and allowed just two hits and one earned run in her three innings of actions, to finish with a 2.33 ERA. She was relieved by senior Keeley Van Blaricom for the final four innings. While Van Blaricom was hit six times, she only allowed one run and struck out three batters, finishing with a 1.75 ERA.

Against UMD, the Argos ended a 0-0 pitchers' dual with two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.  The first step in UGF's game-winning inning was junior first baseman Jackie Thomas getting hit by a pitch.  A single from senior Chloe Cross advanced Thomas to second where she was then replaced by pinch runner Kyra Dorval. Dorval scored from second after a Wolverine error on an at bat from Larson. Cross also advanced to third on the error and then scored off of a passed ball to bring the score to 2-0.

UMD tried to mount a last inning rally in the top of the seventh but after scoring one run, UGF freshman pitcher Brie Clifford held on to close out the game.

Clifford pitched all seven innings of her first collegiate game on the mound, striking out four and allowing just two hits and one earned run.

The two games were the start of a five-day string of games in the Tucson Invitational Games for UGF. They will play eight more contests over the next four days, including three on Saturday, March 5. The first will be against Siena Heights University at 10 a.m. MST followed by Benedictine-Mesa (Ariz.) at Noon and Missouri Valley College at 4:30 p.m.