GREENVILLE, N.C. – The University of Maine softball team started its 2008 season Friday with a pair of loses in the East Carolina Pirate Classic.

Ohio University beat the Black Bears 4-1 in the opener, and host East Carolina won the second game 7-1.

In the first game, Kristen Salvatore homered with two RBIs to lead Ohio. Courtney Waters and Melissa Bonner each singled and doubled with an RBI. Freshman Emily Wethington allowed one run on three hits and five walks while striking out 11.

Kirstin Allen hit an RBI double in the first to give Maine a 1-0 lead, and Stephanie George doubled.

In the second game, Jessica Johnson had two singles and three RBIs for East Carolina and Cristen Aona added two singles and two RBIs. Brooke Swann allowed just two hits, one run and no walks while recording eight strikeouts.

Alexis Souhlaris hit a solo home run in the sixth inning for the Black Bears, and Allen singled.

(First Game)

Ohio (2-0) 000 220 0 – 4 7 2

Maine 100 000 0 – 1 3 0

Wethington and Paden; Souhlaris and George

(Second Game)

Maine (0-2) 000 001 0 – 1 2 1

East Carolina (6-2) 130 102 x – 7 11 0

Montano and George; Swann and Morano, Shaw