GREENVILLE, NC -- The University of Delaware softball team opened the 2007 season with a split Friday afternoon as the Blue Hens downed Binghamton 6-3 in their opener and followed with a 4-0 setback to host East Carolina in the first day of the East Carolina University Pirate Classic at ECU Field.

The Blue Hens (1-1) will continue play Saturday with games vs. Vermont at 10 a.m. and vs. Fordham at 2 p.m. The championship and consolation rounds will be held on Sunday.

Delaware started the season out on a high note as the Blue Hens scored three runs in both the fourth and fifth innings on the way to the 6-3 victory. The Blue Hens banged out 11 hits and to give freshman Samantha Shawn the victory in her collegiate debut in the circle.

Freshman Mary Ann Magee (at right) enjoyed an outstanding collegiate debut as she went 4 for 4 with a double and four RBI to lead the Delaware offensive attack. Barb Traynor was 2 for 4 and knocked in a run, Kim Ovittore was 1 for 3 with two runs scored, one RBI, and a double. Alison Borchers stole two bases.

Magee knocked in two runs with a single in the fourth and Traynor followed with a run-scoring single to give the Hens a 3-1 lead. Delaware then put the game away with three runs in the fifth as Magee delivered another two-run single followed once again by a Traynor RBI single. Shawn went the distance, allowing just four hits and striking out three.

Delaware managed just three hits in the second game as ECU starter Keli Harrell tossed a three hitter, walked just one batter, and struck out eight Blue Hens to pick up the win. The Pirates scored the only run they would need on an RBI single by Erin St. Ledger in the second inning and followed with a single run in the third on a solo home run by Kalli Tom and added two more in the fifth.

Borchers, Magee, and Michelle Plant had the Blue Hen hits while starter Carolynn Sloat took the loss, allowing four runs and seven hits and striking out three batters.

Delaware-Binghamton Boxscore

East Carolina-Delaware Boxscore