CLERMONT, FL—The Bloomsburg University softball team split a pair of games to open its 2011 season under new head coach Susan Kocher. The Huskies beat Post University, 8-0, in six innings, and lost to Winona State by a scores of 3-1 in game two of the day. Bloomsbur

In the opener, Cait Paine (Lebanon/Lebanon) went the distance and fanned 11 as the Huskies posted a win on the mercy rule making Kocher a winner in her first game as head coach. The former Huskies great and longtime assistant takes over Jan Hutchinson who retired following the 2010 season after 32 years.

The Huskies jumped out quickly scoring three runs in the top of the first inning. Bloomsburg would later score two runs in the third and one each in the third, fourth and fifth innings. Overall the Huskies banged out 12 hits against two Post pitchers.

Raychelle Kuhns (Williamsport/Loyalsock) led the attack for Bloomsburg going 3-3 with a solo homer, while Emily young went 1-3 with a two-run homer. Sam Pientack (Archbald/Valley View) was 2-3 with a double and Lacy Mauro (Jersey Shore/Jersey Shore) was 2-3 with a triple.

Against Winona State the Huskies fell behind 1-0 before the Huskies tied the score in the top of the second. Pientack led off the inning with a single, moved to second on a sacrifice by Emily Young (Nescopeck/Central Columbia). After a fly out, Jenna Hampton (Catawissa/Southern Columbia) singled home Pientack. Winona State though scored twice in the bottom of the fifth to go up 3-1.

The Huskies did get two runners on in the top of the sixth with one out, but did not score. Pientack finished 2-3 with a double and a run scored, while Hampton was 1-3 with the RBI.

Shavaun Fisher (Coplay/Allentown Central Catholic) suffered the loss despite allowing just five hits and striking out seven.

Bloomsburg, 1-1, plays against Felecian and Tampa tomorrow as its spring trip continues in Clermont, Fl.