Colorado Christian Softball opened the 2015 campaign Friday, picking up a win and then a loss at the Eckerd College Tournament in Clearwater, FL.
 
Boasting a squad full of talent and a line-up virtually unchanged from 2014, CCU kicked the season off with a statement 8-5 win over Nova Southeastern. The opener featured senior pitcher Mariah Bledsoe atop the mound – composed and in control against a Sharks squad which entered the day with a 2-0 record. Bledsoe's commanding effort held NSU to just one run on six hits through six innings. Newcomer Tana Feiner relieved Bledsoe in the seventh.
 
In addition to a strong pitching game, the Christian squad looked sharp both offensively and defensively. Though Nova rallied for four in the seventh, the Cougars held an 8-1 lead heading into the final inning thanks to big stops in the field and an impressive ten-hit effort. Returners Jessica Romine, Kristina Billante, Danielle Romine, and Sarah Rasmussen set the tone through the top of the order, notching two hits apiece and combining for seven of Christian's eight runs.
 
"I was really excited about how we played in the first game," explained CCU Head Coach Daven Bond. "The first six innings we played championship softball." 
 
Though CCU wouldn't fare as well in the nightcap, strong pitching again set the tone in the contest. Florida Tech went on to beat the Cougars 3-0, but the Panthers managed just two earned runs against Colorado Christian pitcher Katie Edison. Unfortunately, the game under the lights featured CCU bats more quiet than they had been in the first contest – the Cougars totaled five hits against stout FIT pitching.
 
"In the second game, we exposed some early season inconsistencies and it showed in the outcome. 
 
"Overall, I was happy with the effort today. We played with energy and learned a lot about our team. Our yearly trip to Florida is great for our team and we will continue to experiment for the next ten days until we find the right combination.  I really like this team and I'm encouraged by the fight in these girls."
 
CCU will return to action Saturday morning, set to begin a full day with a match-up against Florida Southern.