KISSIMMEE, FL – The College of Saint Rose softball team opened its 2009 slate with a pair of 1-0 decisions this evening. The Golden Knights (2-0) defeated Northern State University in the opener and hung on to beat Lake Superior State in the nightcap.

In game one, Saint Rose junior Amanda Morano scorched a leadoff double in the bottom of the second to get things going. Morano then scored when senior outfielder Cara Piccarreto laid down a sacrifice bunt that was fielded and thrown wide of first base, thus allowing Morano to walk across home plate for the game's lone run.

Senior right-hander Nicole Welch went the distance for the Golden Knights, allowing a mere one hit along the way. Sophomore designated player Alyssa Farrell went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles for the other Saint Rose hits.

In game two, the Golden Knights again manufactured a run and relied on the right arm of senior Tracy Chesebrough to produce the final outcome. Chesebrough finished with 15 strikeouts and issued one walk in 7.0 innings of work to keep Lake Superior State at bay.

The top of the fifth proved to be the deciding factor. Freshman Amanda Macio walked to lead things off and classmate Lindsey David was called upon to pinch run. David moved up a base on a single by senior outfielder Kerry Monahan and then scored on an RBI single from senior second baseman Elizabeth Cullen.

Saint Rose returns to action tomorrow with a pair of morning games on tap. The Golden Knights will meet Upper Iowa at 9:00 am, which precedes an 11:00 am encounter with St. Cloud State.