MURFREESBORO, N.C. - The Frostburg State softball team started their season with a loss on the road Friday afternoon, as they were bested by the Hawks of Chowan University by a final score of 5-0.

As she did in last year's matchup, senior Hawks pitcher Megan Vincent (2-2) held the Bobcats to just two hits in throwing a complete-game shutout. Sophomore Shawna Leonard (0-1) earned the start for the Bobcats, allowing five runs, with three of them earned.

The Hawks got on the board first with a two-out solo home run from Jesse Gentry in the first inning. The Bobcats threatened in the second inning, as sophomore Brianna Powell stole two bases after being hit by a pitch and senior Taylor McCarty was able to advance to second after also being plunked, however the Bobcats could not convert and ended the inning scoreless.

Chowan put together a strong second inning, as they made Frostburg pay for a couple errors to put up a four spot in the inning and increase the lead to 5-0. Frostburg again threatened in the third inning, with senior Kat Treff hitting a one-out single and stealing second to get into scoring position. She advanced to third on a groundout from junior Ava Gnibus, but senior Sam Carver struck out to end the inning.

The teams traded scoreless innings the rest of the way to end the game at 5-0 in favor of Chowan. Junior Kennadie Batchelor joined Treff as the lone Bobcats to get a hit on the afternoon.

The Bobcats are scheduled to face Chowan again on Saturday in a double-header, with the first game set to start at 11 AM. For more information, head to frostburgsports.com.