CLERMONT, Fla. - Thomas softball lost a tight 9-7 battle with Penn State Brandywine to open their season on Sunday morning. 

Jordan Devine (Belgrade, Maine) started strong on the mound for the Terriers, keeping the Lions scoreless in the first two innings. Brandywine struck first in the top of the third inning, when Gianna Terpolilli scored off of a ground ball by James. 

The Lions added two more runs in the fourth but Thomas would tie things up by scoring one run in the next three innings to even things at 3-3. Brandywine's offense exploded in the top of the sixth, scoring six runs but once against the Terriers fought back. 

It all started in the bottom of the sixth when Kaylee Fonseca (Seekonk, Mass.)hit a two run homer to center field. Bailey Dunphy (North Anson, Maine) followed it up by hitting a double, scoring Cheyenne Simpson (Peyton, Colo.) to cut the Lions lead back down to three runs. 

Thomas was able to keep Brandywine scoreless in the top of the seventh inning and picked up where they left off in the sixth. Kasey Champney (Holland, Vt.) started off the inning by hitting a single before Anna Piirainen (West Paris, Maine) came in to pinch run for her. Piirainen was able to advance to second on a passed ball before Teresa McLinden (Brooklyn, N.Y.) singled to bring her in but unfortunately that is where their comeback stopped as the Lions were able to hold on. 

Devine went five innings for Thomas allowing four hits, two earned runs and striking out one. Katie Splaine (Pelham, N.H.)picked up the loss, pitching a third of an inning giving up four earned runs and walking two batters. Rylie Yeager (Warren, Pa.) finished the game for the Terriers, allowing one hit, one run, and walking two in an inning and two thirds.  

NEXT UP: Thomas softball is back in action this afternoon with a 1:45 p.m. game with Plymouth State.