The Denison University softball team opened the 2011 season with a pair of victories on Sunday at the Tucson Invitational Games in Tucson, Ariz on Sunday.  The Big Red blanked Dickinson, 8-0, in five innings and turned back Rutgers-Newark, 11-3, in the nightcap.

Against the Red Devils, first-year Rebecca Dyer became just the third pitcher in the 15-year history of the program to throw a season-opening shutout (Samantha Rumschlag, 2010; Robin Shesky, 2001).  Dyer scattered two hits and struck out five batters en route to her first collegiate victory.  The DU bats provided plenty of run support for the rookie hurler as they set the tone with a six-run performance in the first inning.  The Big Red offense was paced senior Erica Evans' 3-for-3 performance.  The senior shortstop had a triple, double, three RBIs and two runs scored.  First-year Rachel Laughlin also went 3-for-3 with two runs and an RBI, while juniors Lauren Lynn and Hannah Price each logged a pair of hits.

Against the Scarlet Raiders, Lynn went 4-for-5 with a double, three RBIs and a run scored, while Evans was 2-for-4 with a double, three RBIs and two runs.  Rookie Karla Dixon had a double and scored all three times she reached base.  First-year Kelsey Hager picked up the win and fanned five batters in her Big Red debut.

Denison (2-0) returns to action tonight when they take on Lakeland and Husson at 9 and 11 p.m. EST, respectively.