The St. John’s softball team opened the 2003 season with two losses in a rain shortened Triangle Classic Tournament, held at the Walnut Creek Complex in Raleigh, N.C.

The Red Storm were defeated, 3-1, and, 9-0, at the hands of UNC-Charlotte and the University of Illinois, respectively, on Friday, while Saturday’s action was canceled due to heavy rains.

Senior Courtney Fitzgerald started struggled in both games, giving up 10 runs in eight and two-thirds innings pitched.

In the first game against UNC-Charlotte, sophomore Jillian Sandoval ripped a double to right centerfield which scored senior Alesha Argeras from second to notch the Red Storm’s only run of the afternoon.

Freshman Melanie Lehman took the loss, giving up two runs in her two innings of work.

Fellow freshman Jo Sherlock looked impressive, going two for three in her collegiate debut.

After a solid performance in the first game, Fitzgerald was unable to find her rhythm against the University of Illinois.

She surrendered nine runs, seven earned, in only four and two-thirds innings of work including a grand slam by Illinois’ second baseman Katie O’Connell to seal the victory for the Fighting Illini as they soundly beat the Storm.

In the loss, sophomore Allina Sainz and freshman Jessica Marical each went one for two in the second game for St. John’s.

The Red Storm returns to action Feb. 21 in the East Carolina Pirate Classic Tournament. They will face East Carolina, Towson, Delaware and Fordham.