FORT MYERS, Fla. - After tangling with Mother nature over the weekend, the Western New England College softball opened its season Monday (Mar. 19) by splitting a pair of games Monday at the Gene Cusic Classic.

The Golden Bears dropped a 6-3 decision to Bethel (Minn.) in their opener before posting a 6-1 victory over Worcester State in the second cnontest.

The doubleheader was a welcome relief for team members who saw their travel plans canceled Saturday because of the snow and sleet in the Springfield area.

Coach Lori Mayhew's team couldn't get out of Bradley Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, so they took a bus to New York City on Sunday and departed by plane from J.K. Kennedy Airport. Arriving in Tampa, the Golden Bears' contingent drove two hours before finally arriving at their condos at 1:00 a.m. this morning.

Despite their travel woes, Western New England College was happy to step on the diamond although it took a little while to get going. 

In the first game, Western New England College fell behind early by five runs and couldn't catch up against their Minnesota opponents. Sophomore right-fielder Tony Hand (Londonderry, NH) went 2-for-3 for the Golden Bears. Junior Alex Paterson (Deep River, CT) took the loss. 

Sophomore Laura Bower (Hudson, MA) struck out 10 in five innings to gain the win in the second contest late this afternoon. Sophomore shortstop Brittany DeGennaro (Orange, CT) went 3-for-3 with a RBI while senior second base player Steph Ganser (Fairfield, CT) went 2-for-2 with a double. 

Western New England College gets right back into action Tuesday (Mar. 20) meeting Plymouth State at 9:00 a.m. followed by a game against New Paltz (N.Y.) at 11.