CHANDLER, Ariz. - The Western New England College baseball team opened its season with an 11-7 loss against The College of New Jersey Friday afternoon (Mar. 13) at the RussMatt Invitational.

Th Golden Bears banged out 12 hits, but committed four errors in the battle between two of last year's NCAA Division III Championship squads.

Senior centerfielder Chris Newell (Wallingford, CT) went 2-for-4 with a RBI double and three runs while junior first baseman Joe Griglun (Southington, CT) also was 2-for-4 with a double.

Sophomore shortstop Tony Trubia (Tolland, CT) contributed a three-run homer and RBI single.

Sophomore designated hitter Ryan Dudzinski (Bristol, CT) chipped-in with a two-run single.

Western New England College used five pitchers with senior Jason Pizzoferrato (Windsor, CT) taking the loss.

TCNJ scored twice in the first inning and had a comfortable eight-run lead (11-3) heading into the seventh.

The Lions (4-4) rapped out 15 hits with freshman shortstop James Ruzich (Verona, NJ) going 3-for-4 with five RBI. Senior hird baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester, NJ) also had three hits and three runs.

The College of New Jersey was ranked 30th in the pre-season Collegiate Baseball Division III poll.