[Raleigh, NC] - The Shaw softball team opened its season 1-2 after suffering losses to Peace and Lees-McRae, but capturing a win against West Liberty in the opening day of play at the Shaw Softball Invitational held at Walnut Creek Softball Complex Saturday afternoon.

The Lady Bears opened play with a 9-0 loss to cross-town foe Peace in a five-inning affair.  After giving up two runs in the second, Shaw allowed four unearned runs to cross the plate in the third.  Peace added another three runs in the fourth to close out the scoring.  Peace pitchers combined for a two hitter in the game.

In their second game of the day, Shaw scored three runs in the third, and held the Hilltoppers to only one run on six hits to claim their first victory of the season.  Courtnee Kelly was two for two in the game, driving in two runs.  Erica Lafrades and Shai Bease added two hits apiece.  Gina Yossa got the complete game win for the Lady Bears.

In their final game of the day, the Lady Bears suffered an 18-0 defeat at the hands of Lees-McRae in a five-inning contest.  The Lady Bears were held to only four hits by Bobcat pitcher Holli Crickenberger.  Chelsea Holliday collected two of those hits for Shaw.  The Bobcats scored 11 runs in the first, only one of which was earned, on their way to the win.  In all, 15 of the Lees-McRae runs were unearned on five Shaw errors.

The Shaw Softball Invitational, which features eight teams including Fayetteville State, Barton, Saint Augustine's, and Virginia University of Lynchburg, continues Sunday with six games.  Action will take place on two fields at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., weather permitting.