KENNESAW, Ga. – Eastern Kentucky opened the 2008 season with two losses on the first day of the K-Club Classic hosted by Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga. The Colonels dropped their season opener against Southern Mississippi, 7-2. EKU fell to Kennesaw State by a score of 13-5. Sophomore catcher Jena Handley finished the day 4-for-6 with two runs scored.

Against Southern Mississippi (5-2), the Golden Eagles got on the board with a pair of runs in the first inning and then added a run in each of the next three innings.

The Colonels got on the board in the bottom of the second when Pam Webber drove in Michelle Lerner with an infield single. EKU added another run in the third. With the bases loaded, Erin Luther flew out to center field but a throwing error allowed Shyenne Hussey to score, cutting the deficit to 4-2.

Kristin Pilgrim went 2-for-4 with three runs and two RBIs for Southern Miss. Freshman Amber Lenz went 2-for-2 with two walks in her collegiate debut for Eastern Kentucky.

Kalyn Fox started for EKU. The junior pitched three innings, allowed four earned runs on six hits and struck out a pair of batters. Chelsea Butler and Jenn Bledsoe each worked in relief.

Samantha Davis went the distance for Southern Miss. She allowed eight hits, one earned run and struck out five.

Adriel Foxley tied the game, 1-1, against Kennesaw State when she drew a bases loaded walk in the top of the third. The Owls exploded for nine runs on six hits and three EKU errors in the bottom half of the inning to take control of the game.

The Colonels cut the lead to 10-5 with four runs in the top of the fifth inning. Freshman Cassi Gibson drove in two runs with a single up the middle. Eastern plated two more runs on two KSU errors.

The Owls added a run in the bottom of the fifth and two more runs in the sixth to end the game.

Foxley and Gibson each finished 2-for-3.

EKU will be back in action on Saturday when they face Appalachian State at 10 a.m. The Mountaineers are coached by former Colonel Amy Herrington.