HAMMOND, La. – The Nicholls softball team opened up the 2011 season with a doubleheader on Saturday at the Lion Classic and fell in both games; 3-0 to St. Louis University and 9-6 in extra-innings against the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

In the final game against UMKC (3-0), Nicholls built a 6-1 lead heading into the top of the seventh, but the 'Roos would rally back in their final at-bat by plating five runs to even the score.

The Colonels had a chance to end the game in their half of the seventh, putting runners in scoring position with only one out. Sophomore Katie Holmes singled to start the inning and senior Tori Lay added a one-out double. UMKC went to the bullpen, bringing in Deanna Friese (1-0) who struck out two batters, sending the game into extra innings.

In the eighth, UMKC scored two runs before capping off the inning with a solo home run. Nicholls (0-2) would leave two runners stranded in their half as UMKC stayed undefeated in the Lion Classic.

Junior Ashley Ray paced the Colonel offense with four RBIs which included a three-run homer in the sixth. Junior Megan Gaspard added three hits and two RBIs.

Senior Carlee Winklemann threw six innings, giving up 11 hits and five runs. Winklemann held down the 'Roos until running into a jam in the seventh. Freshman Katie Moulder (0-1) suffered the loss in relief, giving up four runs on five hits in two innings of work.

In the early game, the Colonels were held to one hit as St. Louis put three runs on the board in the sixth, taking the game 3-0.

Sophomore Ashton Bennett had a strong outing in the circle, tossing six innings while scattering nine hits. The Baton Rouge native finished with five strikeouts.

Julian Austin picked up the win for St. Louis with a complete game one-hitter, giving up the only hit to Colonel freshman Lauren Jolivette.

Nicholls will wrap up tournament on Sunday with two games. At 10 a.m., the Colonels face Akron University before their final game at 12 p.m. against Jackson State.