FT. MYERS, FLA. 03/13/05 - The Keene State College softball team opened its 2005 season with a dramatic come-from-behind 5-2 victory over New England College in Fort Myers, Fla. on Sunday.

KSC later shutout Framingham State College 13-0 in the second game of the day.

Down 2-0 in the top of the seventh, the Owls were able to make a comeback off of a three-hit offensive attack and costly errors by NEC's infield. Pinch-hitting for Melissa Scata (Medway, Mass.), freshman Ashlee Nicholson (Swanzey, N.H.) led off the inning with a single to left field. Third baseman Jen Norman (Penacook, N.H.) reached on an error by NEC's shortstop to bring pinch-hitter Amanda Foote (Hudson, N.H.) to the plate, who then hit a two-run triple tying the score at 2-2. Foote later scored on a throwing error by the Pilgrims' third baseman. A throwing error and walk by NEC's pitcher brought up Sarah Campbell (Auburn, Mass.) who doubled to left center and scored two runs for the 5-2 win.

Foote and Campbell each had a hit with two RBI's to lead the Owls. Junior Robin Thomson (Brunswick, Me.) went two-for-four for the Pilgrims.

In her collegiate debut, freshman Kristie Braley (Derry, N.H.) scattered seven hits, fanned four, and walked two in 5.1 innings before giving way to Meghan McLoughlin (1-0) (Brattleboro, Vt.) who faced five batters and struck out two to earn the win. Katie Harmon (Saxtons River, Vt.) took the complete loss for the Pilgrims. She allowed three hits, struck out eight, and walked four.

In the second game, the Owls jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the second and never looked back. Scata went three-for-four with an RBI, while Kaity Conklin (Selkik, N.Y.) had two hits with three RBIs to lead KSC. Campbell and Brittany Littlefield (Saugerties, N.Y.) each had two hits.

Nicholson, a freshman, fanned 12, and allowed but one hit and a walk in six innings to notch her first win of the season. She also had two hits in the game. Kristen Lourens (Hudson, Mass.) took the loss for the Lady Rams.

The Owls will face Wheaton (Mass.) College and Nichols College on Monday.