KANEOHE, HI – Simon Fraser University opened the 2015 softball season losing a non-conference double-header to Hawaii Pacific Sharks, dropping the first game 3-1 and the nightcap 6-2, Saturday in Kaneohe, HI.
 
"Although we lost both games I liked what I saw at times and its things I didn't see a lot of last year," said head coach Mike Renney, who is expecting a bounce back season after a disappointing 2014 campaign in which the Clan won just four games. "I believe this team can be competitive on a regular basis and we know what we have to do to get there."
 
Simon Fraser came out swinging in the opening contest, jumping out to a 1-0 lead on three hits in the first, but the Clan left three runners on base and the Sharks escaped trailing by a single run.
 
SFU gave up two runs in the first, another in the second, and never recovered, losing 3-1.
 
"After we scored that first run we went to sleep offensively and we gave up too many free bases," said Renney.
 
Sharks pitcher Kristen Caskey, after surviving the shaky first inning, gave up just two more hits the rest of the way to record her second win of the season. She pitched all seven inning, giving up five hits and striking out two.
 
SFU junior Jessica Goulet (Cambridge, ON) got the start for the Clan and took the loss, pitching five and a thirds innings, allowing four hits and three runs. She struck out three before giving way to freshman Alia Stachoski (Port Coquitlam, BC).
 
First baseman Alex Baylak (Regina, SK) went two for three for the Clan and scored the lone run on a sacrifice fly from junior Danielle Raison (Langley, BC), who had one hit and one RBI.
 
In the second game, Simon Fraser jumped out to a 2-0 lead before the Sharks came back to score two runs in each of the third, fourth and fifth innings to seal the victory.
 
"Our freshman was doing well on the mound until we had an error in the field and that basically changed the game," said Renney. "Balls will always find freshmen, especially early in the season. But it is good to get the jitters out now and everyone some playing time to see what we have."
 
With one out in the third, freshman second baseman Taylor Lundrigan (Abbotsford, BC) mishandled the ball that kept the Sharks rally alive resulted in a two-run inning and changed the momentum of the game.
 
"I'm disappointed that our veterans didn't pull up their socks collectively after we gave up the two runs but we seemed to be rattled," said Renney.
 
SFU had seven hits in the contest with sophomore third baseman Stefanie Sheard (Winnipeg, MB) going 2-for-3 and scoring one run.
 
Paige Crawford picked up the win for Hawaii Pacific, giving up five hits over six innings.
 
Stachoski started the game and last three and one third innings, giving up three runs on four hits while striking out two.
 
Clan senior Kelsie Hawkins (Victoria, BC), who led the GNAC in strikeouts and was second in wins in 2013 but missed all of last season due to injury, came on in relief and lasted one and one third innings, giving up six hits and three runs with two strikeouts.
 
 Freshman Meghan Malkowich finished the game allowing one hit.
 
The Clan plays a double-header with Chaminade University on Feb. 9.