SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The Bowling Green State University softball team opened the 2013 season with a win Friday evening, defeating George Washington, 1-0, in the first game of the USC Upstate Invitational.
Senior Hannah Fulk recorded the only hit of the game for Bowling Green, going 1-for-1 with a run scored and a stolen base. Sophomore Jamie Kertes (1-0) picked up the win, allowing just one hit and striking out five in four innings of work. Fellow Sophomore Paris Imholz pitched the final three innings of the contest, striking out three while allowing just three hits.
The Falcons got on the board early, scoring the only run of the game in the bottom half of the first inning. Fulk started the frame off with a walk, eventually moving to third base on a wild pitch and a steal. After a Falcon out, senior Paige Berger grounded out to second base, moving Fulk home for an RBI and a 1-0 Bowling Green lead.
Kertes and Imholz limited George Washington to just three hits in the six remaining innings, securing the first win of the 2013 campaign.
"We are glad to pick up our first win," said head coach Shannon Salsburg. "Our pitching staff did an outstanding job of keeping the hitters off balance and trusting the defense to make the play. Offensively we have some adjustments to make. I have complete confidence that our offense will come out swinging tomorrow."
Bowling Green's win marks the second season in a row that the Falcons have earned a victory on opening day, including a 13-1 win over Wright State to start 2012. Bowling Green is now 1-0 in the all-time series against George Washington.
The Falcons are right back in action Saturday, facing off against George Mason in a 12 p.m. contest before taking on Winthrop at 4 p.m.
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