The Ball State University softball team split its opening two games of the season Friday in the Phyllis Rafter Memorial Tournament in Woodstock, Ga.
Ball State defeated Tennessee Tech University in the first game before falling to Western Illinois University in the nightcap.
Game one: Ball State 4, Tennessee Tech 0
Reigning Mid-American Conference Pitcher of the Year Elizabeth Milian was in mid-season form to open the season against the Golden Eagles.
Milian (1-0) threw seven innings in complete game shutout effort, striking out 13 batters while walking just one and giving up three hits.
Designated hitter Jen Reifschneider provided all the offense the Cardinals would need in the first inning with a three-run home run.
Center fielder and leadoff hitter Lisa Rozanski also went 2-for-3 with a run scored and two stolen bases, while third baseman Jessie Ware went 1-for-3 with an RBI.
Tennessee Tech first baseman Whitney Cummings was the only thorn in Milian's side Friday morning. She went 2-for-2 at the dish and walked in her only other at-bat.
Game two: Western Illinois 6, Ball State 2
Western Illinois, playing in its seventh game already this season, broke Friday evening's game open with a three-run fifth inning and didn't look back.
The Cardinals (1-1) also committed three errors in the loss.
Rozanski continued her quick start of the season by going 2-for-4 with a triple, while designated hitter Amanda Montalto went 2-for-3.
The Leathernecks (5-2) touched up Cardinals' starter Audra Sanders (0-1) for six runs in five innings, but just one run was earned.
Next up: Mercer and Kennesaw State
The Cardinals return today to face Mercer University (3-3) in the first game and then play host Kennesaw State University (2-0) in the nightcap.
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