HIRAM, OHIO  --  The Hiram College softball team lost both games of non-conference doubleheader against Geneva (Pa.) College, 6-2 and 1-0, in the home opener at the Myrtis E. Herndon Field.

Following today's games, the Terriers fall to 6-6 overall and the Golden Tornadoes improve to 11-9 overall for the season.

In the opening game, the contest remained 0-0 until the bottom of the third inning when Hiram scored a pair of runs on a defensive error with two runners on base to grab a 2-0 lead.  The advantage remained two runs for the Terriers until the top of the sixth inning when Geneva took the lead crossing the plate six times to go up by four, 6-2.  Hiram recorded seven hits in the game, but would only get two following the Geneva six-run inning as the Golden Tornadoes went on to claim the 6-2 victory.

Offensively, sophomore outfielder Sarah Loyer (Barrie, Ontario/St. Joseph's) led the way with two hits in four attempts and also scored a run.  Five other Terrier players each recorded a base hit in the loss.

On the mound, senior Amethyst Brigham (Middlefield/Ohio State) started the game and pitched four and two-thirds innings allowing five runs on six hits and struck out five batters.  She would also get the loss and is now 2-2 overall for the year.  Freshman Taylor Charles (Akron/Ellet) pitched the final two-and-a-third innings giving up one run on three hits and tallied three strikeouts.

In the nightcap, Hiram outhit Geneva, 7-3, but could not get any runs across home plate despite having bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth inning and had a runner thrown out at the plate on a double by sophomore shortstop Jessica Bolanz (Randolph/Waterloo) in the sixth that would have tied the game.  The only run of the contest came in the top of the sixth when Geneva scored on a RBI single.  The Terriers would make one final push in the seventh with runners on first and second, but with two outs.  Geneva recorded the final out on a pop-fly to the outfield to hang on for a 1-0 victory.

Hiram was led at the plate in game two by senior All-Region outfielder Kristen Cooney (North Lewisburg/Triad) who finished three-of-four.  Four others recorded a base hit in the game.

Charles started the second game on the mound and pitched the entire game, suffering her third loss of the season to fall to 3-3 overall.  She gave up the lone run on three hits and had five strikeouts.

Hiram is scheduled to travel to Greenville, Pa. tomorrow (Saturday, Mar. 24) for a non-conference doubleheader against Thiel College.  The first game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.