LAS VEGAS, NV --- On Friday in Nevada, the Simon Fraser Softball team commenced their season with matchups at the Desert Stinger tournament against Minot State and the University of Texas - Tyler.
 
In the first of the two matchups, SFU was victorious over Minot State by a final score of 15 to 7. Anissa Zacharczuk pitched five solid innings for SFU, allowing just 4 earned runs and also recording one strikeout. 
 
Offensively, Simon Fraser really shined in their opening game, as they amassed 10 hits, 13 RBI's and 9 walks en route to a 15-run outing. Individually, Alex Ogg went 3 for 3 with 2 RBIs, while Hanna Finkelstein went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, which included a 3-run homer. Amanda Janes added a 2-run homer of her own, as she went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs. 
 
In the second game of the day, Simon Fraser fell to Texas Tyler by a final score of 10 to 6. Simon Fraser still had some solid batting performances, as Alex Ogg went 3 for 4 with 1 RBI and Chelsea Hotner went 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs. 
 
Simon Fraser scored all six of their runs in the matchup through the first three innings, but couldn't find consistent pitching down the stretch as Texas-Tyler put up strong 3^rd and 5^th innings to pull themselves ahead, three errors over the course of the matchup for SFU also didn't help their cause. For Texas Tyler, Payton Foster put in a clutch relief performance in the circle, pitching four shutout innings with four strikeouts.
 
Head Coach Tina Andreana added her thoughts after the opening-day split: "Our hitters had an impressive day, with 3 homeruns, and multiple base hits. Excited to start off the season strong.  Took a loss against a quality opponent tonight with Texas Tyler, but looking to come back refreshed and ready to go tomorrow." 
 
Simon Fraser continues action on day two of the Desert Stinger with matchups against University of Mary and Academy of Art.