PEMBROKE – The UNC Pembroke softball team strung together 17 hits on Saturday, but were only able to pick up eight runs as the Braves opened their season with a 6-3 loss to Kutztown and a 10-5 loss to Shippensburg on day one of the UNCP Invitational.
 
Junior Alex Watkins recorded two hits for the Braves (0-2) against Kutztown, and got UNCP on the board with a RBI single in the first that plated Rendi Wetherington. A line-drive single from Alyssa Price in the second was able to move Watkins around the bases to tack up another run for the Black & Gold.
 
Malerie Leviner (0-1) struck out nine batters in 5-1/3 innings of work against the Golden Bears, but took the loss for the Braves. Tatum Brummitt struck out three in 1-2/3 innings of relief, but was not awarded a decision.
 
UNC Pembroke jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the second inning against Shippensburg when newcomer Cameron Davis doubled to right center field and scored Watkins from first. Lauren Hilbourn and Shelby Thomas both drew a walk to get aboard and set the table for Wetherington who knocked in both runners on a shot to right field.
 
Shippensburg responded with an 8-run fourth inning powered by Hannah Marsteller's home run.
 
The Braves will get a rematch with both Kutztown and Shippensburg on Saturday to close out their portion of play in the the UNCP Invitational. The Black & Gold will face Kutztown in the 11:30 a.m. game, and close out tournament play against Shippensburg at 4:30 p.m.