By Nick Porter

DANVILLE, Va.—In the season-opening doubleheader, the Southern Virginia University softball teams struggled to produce runs as it lost both games in five innings by scores of 22-0 and 23-3 at Averett University Wednesday afternoon in Danville, Virginia.

In game one, the Knights had three hits, coming in the second, third and fifth innings from catcher Lainie Thompson, shortstop MaKenzie Cox and center fielder Annie Biggs, respectively.

Senior Jamie Pinkston, who pitched in game one for the Knights, allowed 22 runs on 21 hits as the Cougars have a batting average of .656.

The Knights also had three hits in game two with all coming in the same inning, leading to the first three runs of the season. In the top of the third, right fielder Katierose Helems reached first on a fielders choice and then stole second. That set the stage for Biggs, Cox, and Losehina Aetonu who had back to back to back singles, earning each of them an RBI and putting the Knights on the board.

In the bottom of the fourth, however, the Cougars scored 13 runs on sophomore pitcher Biggs to make the score 23-3. Biggs finished with one strikeout and allowed 15 runs due to six fielding errors committed by the Knights.

Pending good weather, the Knights host Greensboro College in the home opener on March 3 at 3 and 5 p.m. at Harvey-Dryden Field.