Box Score Box Score

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The La Salle softball squad kicked off its 2012 season on Friday evening at the USC Upstate Tournament, falling 4-0 to host Upstate at Cyrill Stadium.

After three quick scoreless innings, rookie Linnette Siedler led off the fourth with a single to centerfield in her collegiate debut. She moved to second thanks to a Liz Reed sac bunt. One out later, Alicia Aughton drew a walk and Siedler moved to third on a wild pitch to give the Explorers their first chance at a score before the inning ended on a strikeout.

The Spartans responded in the bottom of the frame but managed to push across two unearned runs on Explorer miscues.

The Explorers had another shot in the fifth after Shannon Skomorucha led off the inning with a single just past Upstate shortstop Maddison Kieffer. Danielle Cullen was called upon to pinch run and nearly scored on a Breanna DiTommaso double to left, but was caught at home plate.

The Spartans added two more in the sixth for the final 4-0 score.

Also getting a hit in her collegiate debut was Kristin Travers, who went 1-for-1 as a pinch hitter.

Aughton got the start in the circle, pitching the full six innings and fanning three and walking none. She gave up four runs but only two were earned. Lacey Dinney got the win for the Spartans, going the distance while striking out 13 and issuing one walk.

The Explorers return to the field for two games on Saturday. They face Liberty at 10 a.m., followed by a noon contest against Savannah State.