KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The Plattsburgh State softball team split a pair of games at the Rebel Spring Games to open up its 2017 season on Friday, defeating Kean University, 6-2, before falling, 7-6, to Gustavus Adolphus College.
 
The Cardinals move to 1-1 overall with the results and continue action at the Rebel Spring Games tomorrow, facing Farmingdale State College (9 a.m.) and No. 9 Rowan University (11:15 a.m.). Kean drops to 11-1 overall with the loss, while Gustavus Adolphus rises to 9-1 overall with the win.
 
Game 1: Plattsburgh State 6, Kean 2

Down 2-0 following the top of the first, the Cardinals scored two runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings to pull out the 6-2 victory over the Cougars in the team's season opener.
 
Plattsburgh State scattered seven hits during the contest, receiving 2-for-3 performances from sophomore shortstop Kaitlyn Preiss (Cornwall, N.Y./Cornwall) and sophomore catcher Jennifer Groat (Ballston Spa, N.Y./Ballston Spa).
 
Junior pitcher Katie Pitkin (Dexter, N.Y./General Brown) earned the win in the circle for the Cardinals, allowing two runs on four hits, five walks and two hit by pitches while striking out two.
 
Game 2: Gustavus Adolphus 7, Plattsburgh State 6

Despite a four-run seventh inning, the Cardinals were unable to complete the comeback against Gustavus Adolphus in the nightcap, falling by a 7-6 final.
 
Preiss paced the Cardinal bats with a 2-for-4 outing at the plate, while Groat went 1-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI.
 
Freshman pitcher Rhea Pitkin (Dexter, N.Y./General Brown) was tagged with the loss, yielding seven runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks while striking out two.