LAWTON, Okla. (Feb. 3, 2012) — Cameron’s softball team kicked off its season Friday, participating in the St. Mary’s Tournament in San Antonio, Texas, with contests against the University of Texas-Permian Basin and nationally-ranked (11) Rollins College.

"There’s some quality teams here (at the tournament),” said Head Coach Beth Watson. “(St. Mary’s Tournament) is always a big draw, and they do a great job running it. The games are really tough, but that’s my philosophy scheduling. You have to go out and get your feet wet.”

The Black and Gold (1-1, 0-0) began the day strong with a victory over UTPB (0-2), but failed to put together a steady offensive attack against the Tars (1-1).

“Really in both games, we were kind of slow making adjustments at the plate,” Watson said. “Against UTPB we finally caught fire in later innings, and we were able to pull ahead and hold out for the win. Then we were facing the number 11 team in nation in second game and we needed to make adjustments sooner.”

In game one, the Falcons struck early, taking advantage on an infield error to plate a run early. But Cameron would come back in the third inning, as Drew Wright scored on a Leslie Martini sac fly to left field. The teams would play strong defense for the next three innings, holding each other from any realy scoring threat.

In the top of the seventh, things would change as Meca Chambers, pinch running for Cheyenne Brown, scored on a clutch double by Wright. The Aggies added one more run as Wright came around to score on a pinch hit single by Tiffany Freeman. Cheyenne Brown earned the complete game victory in the circle for Cameron.

“Cheyenne pitched well the first game, and we got some clutch hits,” Watson said. “Drew hit a double and scored the go ahead run. That gave us a spark to plate one more there. We’ve just got to do a better job of making adjustments in early innings. We played behind both games, and that puts pressure on pitchers.”

In game two, the Aggies failed to find an answer for the pitching of Rollins College, collecting only two hits in the contest, while falling 8-0. But despite the loss, Watson said there are still positives to take away from the game. Kelsey Hebert took the loss for the Black and Gold.

“Kelsey did really well … she hit her spots early,” the coach said. “If we would have scored runs in and of the first three innings, we would have changed complexion. We just battled from behind all game. That’s tough. Defensively we played well. We had three errors in the first game, but they were all tough plays for our defense. I’m really pleased with what we showed today. Our leadership and energy was really good.”

Cameron will return to action tomorrow as it takes on Texas A&M-International and the host team, St. Mary’s.