VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (2/29/08) - The Kean University softball team opened up the 2008 campaign with a pair of victories at the Atlantic vs. East Beach Blast on Friday evening. The Cougars recorded a 10-1 victory over Bates College in the opener, before posting the 4-0 shutout over Messiah College in the nightcap. Against Bates, rookie Courtney Smyth (Abington, N.J.) pitched a one-hitter in her intercollegiate debut, striking out six batters while allowing just one unearned run and two walks.

At the plate, senior Katie Hicks (Medford Lakes, N.J.) was 3-for-3 with three RBI, while junior Sara Steinman (Springfield, N.J.) was 2-for-2 with three RBI. Junior Jesse Buchanan (Washington Twp., N.J.) added a pair of hits and two runs scored.

On the mound against Messiah, senior Kristen Hennings (Jackson, N.J.) earned the shutout victory against Messiah, allowing just two hits, while fanning three batters.

Sophomore Allison Thibault (Garfield, N.J.) and Hicks (pictured right) each had two hits, as Thibault also had a run scored. Steinman and Buchanan both had one hit and one RBI in the victory.

The Cougars return to action on Saturday, March 1, when they take on Christopher Newport (4 p.m.) and Bridgewater College (6 p.m.) in the final day of action at the Beach Blast.