The University of Southern Indiana softball team opened its 2002 season with a win and two losses today at Owl Classic in Woodstalk, Georgia.

USI rebounded from a 4-1 loss to Texas Women's University—in its season opener—to topple Great Lakes Regional foe Wayne State University, 10-2, in five innings. The Screaming Eagles finished the evening by nearly upsetting third-ranked Kennesaw State University, the tournament host.

In their loss to TWU, the Eagles surrendered 10 hits while clubbing out just two hits of their own. Junior pitcher/utility Rachel Bowling (Middleton, Indiana) was charged with the loss in her first pitching appearance in two years. Bowling gave up four earned runs in six innings of work. TWU improved to 11-1 on the season with the victory.

USI turned to senior All-Great Lakes Valley Conference performer Danielle Garnett (Griffith, Indiana) in its 10-2 victory over Wayne State. The hurler spread six hits throughout five innings, giving up two runs and striking out four batters, to pick up the win.

Senior third baseman Molly Blackford (Newburgh, Indiana) and sophomore catcher Kristen Houseworth (Martinsville, Indiana) each had a pair of runs batted in while sophomore second baseman Brooke Biggs (Osceola, Indiana) churned out three hits in four plate appearances and one RBI.

In its third and final game of the day, USI jumped out to a three-run advantage. However, a five-run fifth inning by Kennesaw State silenced USI's bid for an upset victory.

Garnett fell to 1-1 on the season after being charged with the loss. She gave up five runs, including a grand slam in the fifth inning, while striking out five batters in four-and-a-third innings of work.

Bowling led the way for the Eagles against KSU, going 2-of-4 at the plate with two homeruns and four RBI. Freshman designated hitter/pitcher Brandy Bates (Boonville, Indiana) also sent a ball over the fence, picking up her first collegiate home run.

The Eagles will be in tournament play tomorrow before wrapping their weekend-long trip up against Texas A&M-Kingsville Sunday, February 24. USI will play Texas A&M-Kingsville in the first round of the tournament starting at 11 a.m.