Written By: Durango Herald Sports Staff

February 13, 2010.  Las Vegas, NV. - Fort Lewis College softball kicked off the new season with a pair of heartbreaking losses Friday in the Desert Stinger Tournament in Las Vegas.

The Skyhawks, who started the season without a single outdoor practice, played Hawaii-Hilo to a 3-3 tie through eight innings in the first game Friday.

“Then we gave up a three-run homer in the ninth inning," FLC head coach Pam Adams said after the Skyhawks lost 7-3 in the opener.

“But we had our chances. We just couldn't quite close it," Adams said. “It was a great game."

The second game was another nail-biting loss with St. Mary's of Texas scoring three times in the top of the seventh inning to edge the Skyhawks 9-8.

“We just couldn't come back in the bottom of the seventh," Adams said. “But it was right there. We could have won that game."

The Skyhawks broke out and scored eight runs in two innings after St. Mary's shut out FLC for the first five innings.

“We can be so explosive," Adams said. “It's fun to watch."

Adams said Natalie Janes hammered four home runs in the Friday doubleheader.

“She smoked the ball. Three of those went out to dead center," Adams said of Janes, whose twin sister, Stephanie Janes, also plays for the Skyhawks.

Ahsley Hibbs and Chelena Coulston had two RBIs each in the two games.

“We gave up a lot of runs, but we'll get better with our pitching," Adams said.

“We could have won both of these games, but we had our heart ripped out," the FLC coach said, adding that the Skyhawks are eager to return to the field today for two more tournament games.

The Skyhawks will play the University of Mary from Bismark, N.D., at noon today before taking on Dixie State at 2 p.m.

Fort Lewis will close the tournament with a 2 p.m. game Sunday against St. Edwards of Austin, Texas.

Hawaii-Hilo Box Score

St. Mary's Box Score

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