News

June 27, 2012
Maine Softball Leads America East Softball in Honor Roll Selections
The University of Maine softball team earned 14 selections to the 2011-12 America East Winter/Spring Honor Roll. The 14 Maine softball student-athletes was tops amongst all softball squads in the conference as the Black Bears beat out the other six member schools in terms of overall softball selections to this year's honor roll.

June 6, 2012
Eberhardt to Play Professionally in Europe
Former University of Maine softball standout Jennifer Eberhardt (Glendale, Ariz.) will join the professional softball ranks as she will play for Central in Utrecht, Netherlands.

May 31, 2012
Ashley Kelley Named to America East All-Academic Squad
University of Maine softball standout pitcher Ashley Kelley (Hermon, Maine) has been named to the America East All-Academic squad, as announced by the conference on Thursday morning.

May 17, 2012
EmJ Fogel Honored to All-Northeast Region First Team
Freshman catcher EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.) has been named to the 2012 National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division-I All-Northeast Region First Team, as announced by the association on Thursday.

May 12, 2012
Softball Season Ends with 2-0 Loss to Albany
The University of Maine softball team’s season came to an end on Saturday as the Black Bears were defeated by a score of 2-0 by Albany in the elimination game of the 2012 America East Tournament. Maine was unable to capitalize on a pair of lead-off walks and were able to generate just one hit in the contest which developed into a pitcher’s dual as the two team’s were locked at 1-0 until the top of the seventh inning.

May 11, 2012
Softball Nipped by Boston University in Opening Round of America East Tournament, 3-2
Jessica Burk (Warrenton, Va.) blasted her second home run of the year, a two-run shot, to bring Maine with a run but that would be as close as the Black Bears would get as they dropped a 3-2 decision to Boston University in the opening round of the America East Tournament. EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.) also had a solid day at the plate as the freshman went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.

May 10, 2012
Softball Playoff Game Rained Out - Will Play Boston University Friday at 11 A.M.
Due to inclement weather and wet conditions in the Boston area, today's America East Softball Opening Round tournament game between #4 Maine and #1 Boston University has been canceled. The game will be made up tomorrow, May 11th, at 11 A.M.

May 9, 2012
Softball Faces Boston University in Opening Round of America East Tournament
The University of Maine softball squad (17-28-1, 8-9-1 America East) will take to the road as it travels to battle the host and #1 seeded Boston University Terriers (37-14, 15-3 AE) in the opening round of the 2012 America East Tournament beginning on Thursday, May 10 at 1 p.m. The #4 seeded Black Bears are returning to the tournament for the first time since 2010 and will be looking for their third Conference Championship and first since 2006.

May 9, 2012
Three Black Bears Named to All-Conference Teams
A trio of University of Maine student-athletes have been honored to the America East All-Conference teams, as announced by the conference this afternoon. EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.) was named the second team catcher while Hilary Kane (Concord, N.H.) was honored as the second team's selection at first base. Fogel was also named to the all-rookie team along with Jessica Burk (Warrenton, Va.).

May 7, 2012
Ashley Kelley Named to College Sports Madness All-Conference Second Team
Senior hurler Ashley Kelley (Hermon, Maine) has been named to the College Sports Madness America East All-Conference Second Team, as announced by the website on Monday afternoon.

May 6, 2012
Softball Falls in Regular Season Finale at Hartford
The University of Maine softball team (17-28-1, 8-9-1 America East) fell in its regular season finale at Hartford (10-41, 4-14 AE) by a score of 4-3 on Sunday afternoon. Lindsey Jenkins (Greenwich, Conn.) went 1-for-3 with an RBI while Stephanie Wood (Florence, N.J.) was 1-for-1 with a run scored.

May 5, 2012
Softball Clinches America East Berth with Sweep of Hartford
The University of Maine softball team clinched a spot in the 2012 America East Tournament after sweeping Hartford on Saturday afternoon in West Hartford, Conn. Maine won the first game 5-1, while taking the second one 2-1. Maine improves to 17-27-1 on the season and 8-8-1 in America East play. Hartford falls to 9-43 overall, 3-14 in conference play.

May 3, 2012
Softball Looks to Clinch Playoff Bid with Three-Game Set at Hartford
The University of Maine softball team (15-27-1, 6-8-1 America East) will look to lock up a spot in the 2012 America East Tournament as they travel to battle Hartford (9-39, 3-12 AE) in a three-game set beginning with a doubleheader at noon on Saturday. The two teams will close out the regular season with a single game on Sunday, also beginning at noon. Maine needs just one win this weekend to clinch the fourth seed in the 2012 conference playoffs.

May 1, 2012
Softball Comes Up Short in Makeup Game Against Boston University
Margaret Hilton (Lyndonville, Vt.) blasted her second home run of the season but a rough top of the seventh inning allowed Boston University (34-13, 12-3 America East) to slip past Maine (15-27-1, 6-8-1 AE) by a score of 5-3 on Tuesday evening. Jessica Burk (Warrenton, Va.) and Jennifer Eberhardt (Glendale, Ariz.) each added a pair of hits for the Black Bears.

April 30, 2012
EmJ Fogel Named America East Rookie of the Week
Softball's EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.) has been named America East Rookie of the Week as announced by the league on Monday afternoon. Fogel batted .429 on the week with four RBI and three runs scored as she helped the Black Bears to four wins, including a weekend sweep of UMBC.

April 29, 2012
Softball Walks-Off With Win Over UMBC on Senior Day
Jennifer Eberhardt's (Glendale, Ariz.) sacrifice fly to deep left center in the bottom of the seventh allowed fellow senior Brynne Davis (Winslow, Maine) to tag and score the game winning run from third as the Black Bears completed the weekend sweep of UMBC with a 1-0 victory on Sunday afternoon. The win moves Maine to 15-26-1 on the season and 6-7-1 in America East play while the Retrievers fall to 19-28, 1-14 in league action. Davis had a big senior day for the Black Bears as she went 3-for-3 with one run scored while freshmen EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.) and Jessica Burk (Warrenton, Va.) each had two hits.

April 28, 2012
Softball Sweeps Doubleheader From UMBC
The University of Maine softball team (14-26-1, 5-7-1 America East) used the combination of 21-hits, solid defense and stellar pitching to capture a doubleheader sweep of UMBC (19-27, 1-13 AE) on Saturday afternoon. Maine won game one 7-1 before taking game two 9-1 in six-innings. Jennifer Eberhardt (Glendale, Ariz.) went 4-for-5 with a double, a triple, one run scored and an RBI while Jessica Burk (Warrenton, Va.) enjoyed a 4-for-8 day with three runs scored and two doubles while driving in three. Lindsey Jenkins (Greenwich, Conn.) also had a solid day as the senior went 3-for-6 with a run scored and a RBI.

April 27, 2012
Softball Welcomes UMBC to Kessock Field on Senior Weekend
The University of Maine softball team (12-26-1, 3-7-1 America East) returns to America East Conference action on Saturday when they host UMBC (19-25, 1-11 AE) in a doubleheader beginning Saturday at noon. The two teams will meet in the finale on Sunday at 11 am where Maine will honor its five seniors for their hard work and dedication they have given to the softball program. The Black Bears are 1-2-1 in their last four games and most recently defeated St. Joseph’s College of Maine 5-0. Ashley Kelley (Hermon, Maine) picked up her sixth win in the circle for Maine in that game while EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.) went 1-for-2 with one run scored and a pair of RBI. Maine will look to continue its winning streak over the Retrievers as the Black Bears have won the last four meetings dating back to April 25, 2010. Maine enters this weekend 6-4 in its last 10 games with the Retrievers but are 2-3 in the last five games played at Kessock Field.

April 25, 2012
Four-Run Fourth Propels Maine to 5-0 Victory over St. Joseph's
The Black Bears broke things open with four runs in the bottom of the fourth as they defeated St. Joseph's College 5-0 on Wednesday afternoon at Kessock Field. The win lifts Maine to 12-26-1 on the season while the Monks fall to 30-7. EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.) paced the Maine attack as she went 1-for-2 with one run scored and a pair of RBI.

April 22, 2012
Softball Ends in 1-1 Tie at Stony Brook Due to Rain
The University of Maine softball team had its game with Stony Brook called in the top of the eighth inning with the score tied 1-1 due to rain. Jennifer Eberhardt (Glendale, Ariz.) scored the lone Black Bear run as she homered in the top of the first inning while Ashley Kelley (Hermon, Maine) pitched well in the circle for Maine as the senior went seven innings while scattering eight hits and giving up just one run with one strikeout.

April 21, 2012
Softball Comes Up Just Short in Pair of Games at Stony Brook
The University of Maine softball squad (11-26, 3-7 America East) came up just short in a pair of games at current top-seeded Stony Brook (31-11, 10-1), losing the first game 3-0 before dropping game two 1-0. EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.), Jessica Burk (Warrenton, Va.) and Jennifer Eberhardt (Glendale, Ariz.) each had hits in game one while Dagmar Ralphs (O'Fallon, Ill.) led the offense in game two. Ashley Kelley (Hermon, Maine) and Beth Spoehr (Appleton, Wis.) each turned in solid outings in the circle for the Black Bears.

April 20, 2012
Softball Travels to Stony Brook for Three-Game Series
The University of Maine softball team (11-24, 3-5 America East) take to the road this weekend as it returns to conference action with a three-game weekend series at current top-seeded Stony Brook (29-11, 8-1 AE). The two teams will play a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday before closing out the series with a 11 a.m. start on Sunday. The Black Bears enter the series on a four-game winning streak as they swept Binghamton last weekend before taking a single game from Husson. The Seawolves have won seven of their last 10 including a three-game sweep of UMBC last weekend.

April 17, 2012
Softball Blanks Husson 8-0 in 6-innings
The University of Maine softball team used a 13-hit attack coupled with a solid shutout outing from pitcher Beth Spoehr (Appleton, Wis.) to defeat visiting Husson University by a score of 8-0 in six innings on Tuesday evening. EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.) went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI and one run scored while fellow freshman Jessica Burk (Warrenton, Va.) also went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Maine's 11th win of the season.

April 16, 2012
EmJ Fogel Named America East Rookie of the Week
University of Maine freshman softball standout EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.) has been named this week's America East Rookie of the Week, as announced by the conference on Monday afternoon. Fogel batted .500 on the weekend in leads the Black Bears to a three-game sweep of Binghamton.

April 15, 2012
Burk's Walk-Off Single Propels Maine to Weekend Sweep of Binghamton
Trailing by a run with two away in the bottom of the seventh the Black Bears went to work, plating a pair of runs, including one on a walk-off single into right field by Jessica Burk (Warrenton, Va.) to complete the weekend sweep of Binghamton by a score of 3-2. EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.) went 2-for-3 with a run scored while Burk and Dagmar Ralphs (O'Fallon, Ill.) each had a hit and a RBI.

April 14, 2012
Softball Sweeps Doubleheader from Binghamton
Hilary Kane (Concord, N.H.) and Jessica Burk (Warrenton, Va.) blasted grand slams in back-to-back games to help lead the University of Maine softball team to a doubleheader sweep of Binghamton on Saturday afternoon at Kessock Field. Maine took game one by a score of 8-2 before defeating the Bearcats 4-2 in game two. The two wins give the Black Bears their first America East victories of the season as they move to 9-24 overall and 2-5 in league play while Binghamton falls to 15-21, 6-5 in conference action.

April 13, 2012
Softball Welcomes Binghamton to Kessock Field for a Three-Game Weekend Series
The University of Maine softball team will be looking to snag their first America East league victory of the season as they welcome the Binghamton Bearcats (15-19, 6-3 America East) to Orono for a three-game series beginning with a doubleheader on Saturday at 12 p.m.

April 8, 2012
Today's Softball Game Against Boston University Cancelled
Due to inclement weather in the Orono area, today's game against Boston University has been cancelled.

April 7, 2012
Softball Falls in Game One to Boston University 2-1 in 12-inning Marathon
With the Black Bears down to their last out in the bottom of the seventh, Jean Stevens (Albany, Ore.) ripped an opposite field home run over the left field fence to tie things up at 1-1, sending the game into extra innings. However, the Terriers were able to plate a run in the top of the 12th and hold on to the 2-1 victory. Ashley Kelley (Hermon, Maine) pitched the full 12 innings for Maine as she gave up just two runs on six hits while fanning six.

April 7, 2012
Softball Defeated 6-1 in Game Two with Boston University
Hilary Kane (Concord, N.H.) was able to spoil the Terriers' shutout bid as she blasted a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh but that would be the only run the Black Bears would score as Boston University took the victory by a score of 6-1. The loss slips Maine back to 7-24 overall and 0-5 in America East action while the Terriers improve to 22-12 and 6-2 in the league. Dagmar Ralphs (O'Fallon, Ill.) and Jennifer Eberhardt (Glendale, Ariz.) each recorded hits for the Black Bears.

April 6, 2012
Softball Battles Boston University in Home Opening Weekend
The University of Maine softball team welcomes last season's regular season champions in Boston University to Kessock Field for the Black Bears' home opening weekend. The two teams will play a doubleheader beginning at 12 PM on Saturday before wrapping up the three-game tilt on Sunday at 12 PM.

April 3, 2012
Kelley, Black Bears Shutout Husson 9-0
Jennifer Eberhardt (Glendale, Ariz.) and Margaret Hilton (Lyndonville, Vt.) each homered while senior Ashley Kelley (Hermon, Maine) picked up the shutout in the circle as the Black Bears scored a 9-0 win in five-innings over neighboring Husson University. EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.) chipped in with a 3-for-4 day while scoring three runs and driving in another while Jean Stevens (Albany, Ore.) went 1-for-2 with two RBI and one run scored in Maine’s seventh win on the season.

April 1, 2012
Softball Drops 8-0 Decision at Albany
The University of Maine softball team dropped an 8-0 decision in five innings to complete its three game weekend series at Albany on Sunday afternoon. The loss slips Maine back to 6-22 overall and 0-3 in league play while the Great Danes climb to 18-7 and 5-1 in conference action. EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.), Jennifer Eberhardt (Glendale, Ariz.) and Dagmar Ralphs (O'Fallon, Ill.) each picked up a hit for Maine.

March 31, 2012
Softball Drops Conference Opener to Albany 5-0
The University of Maine softball team was defeated in game one of today's doubleheader at Albany by a score of 5-0. The loss slips Maine back to 6-19 and 0-1 in league play while the Great Danes improve to 16-7 and 3-1 in America East play. Jennifer Eberhardt (Glendale, Ariz.) led the Maine offense with a 2-for-3 showing while Jean Stevens (Albany, Ore.) went 1-for-3 with a double.

March 31, 2012
Softball Falls in Tight Contest at Albany, 4-3
Jenny MacDowell (Littleton, Mass.) drove in three runs and scored one herself on a solo home run but the Black Bears came up just short in game two of the doubleheader at Albany, falling 4-3 to the Great Danes. The loss slips Maine back to 6-21 and 0-2 in conference play while the Great Danes improve to 17-7 and 4-1 in league action.

March 30, 2012
Softball Opens Conference Action on Saturday at Albany
The University of Maine softball squad (6-19, 0-0 America East) will open up league play this weekend when it travels to battle defending America East Tournament Champion Albany (15-7, 2-1 AE) beginning with a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon at 1 PM.

March 29, 2012
Softball Taking Orders for Personalized Brick Fundraising Event
Have you ever wondered how you might be able to contribute to the improvements of Kessock Field, the home of your Black Bear softball team? Or how you could leave a permanent message at Kessock Field to commemorate a softball student-athlete, loved one or special achievement?

March 18, 2012
Softball Defeats Hofstra 3-2
The Black Bears offense pushed across three runs in the bottom of the third and starter Kylie Sparks (Kirkland, Wash.) tossed a three-hitter as Maine defeated Hofstra 3-2 in the finale of the Hofstra Invitational. Dagmar Ralphs (O'Fallon, Ill.) had a solid day at the plate as she went 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI.

March 18, 2012
Softball Falls to UConn 8-0
The University of Maine softball team (5-19) fell in game one on day two of the Hofstra Invitational to UConn (6-9) in five-innings by a score of 8-0. Dagmar Ralphs (O'Fallon, Ill.), Lindsey Jenkins (Greenwich, Conn.) and Kristen Koslosky (Castro Valley, Calif.) all recorded hits for the Black Bears.

March 17, 2012
Softball Drops Contest with UConn, 8-2
The Black Bears were unable to overcome a 5-0 first inning deficit as they fell by a score of 8-2 to UConn on day one of the Hofstra Invitational. The loss slips Maine back to 5-18 on the season while the Huskies improve to 5-9. Chelsea Kunin (Carlsbad, Calif.) paced the Maine offense as she went 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored while Jennifer Eberhardt (Glendale, Ariz.) also had a 2-for-3 day with a walk.

March 17, 2012
Softball Falls in Bottom of the Ninth to Hofstra, 1-0
The University of Maine and Hofstra were locked in a pitcher's dual as the game entered the bottom of the ninth scoreless. Hofstra was able to plate a run in the home half of the ninth to take the contest 1-0. The loss slips Maine back to 5-17 while the Pride improve to 3-11.

March 11, 2012
Softball Edged by Harvard 3-2
A late rally came up just short on Sunday afternoon as the University of Maine softball squad fell by a score of 3-2 to Harvard. The loss drops Maine to 4-16 on the season while the Crimson move to 7-3. Dagmar Ralphs (O'Fallon, Ill.) and Hilary Kane (Concord, N.H.) each drove in a run for Maine while Jessica Burk (Warrenton, Va.) went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles.

March 11, 2012
Spoehr Tosses Shutout to Lead Maine Past CSU-Northridge, 1-0
Junior hurler Beth Spoehr (Appleton, Wis.) tossed a complete game two-hit shutout as freshman EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.) drove in Maine's lone run on a 2-for-4 day as the Black Bears closed out the Northridge Classic with 1-0 victory over Cal State Northridge. The win improves Maine to 5-16 while the Matadors slip to 5-19.

March 10, 2012
Maine Unable to Hold Early Lead, Fall to Cal State Bakersfield
The Black Bears were unable to hold on to an early 3-0 lead as they fell 12-3 to Cal State Bakersfield on Saturday in day two of the Northridge Classic. EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.) went 2-for-3 with a run scored while junior Hilary Kane (Concord, N.H.) drove in two while going 1-for-3.

March 9, 2012
Black Bears Fall in Opener of Northridge Classic
The University of Maine softball squad fell to Cal State Bakersfield in the opening game of the Northridge Classic by a score of 14-0 on Friday afternoon. The loss slips Maine back to 4-13 on the year while the Roadrunners improve to 5-12. Jennifer Eberhardt (Glendale, Ariz.) led the Black Bears as she went 1-for-2 with a double and a walk.

March 9, 2012
Maine Edged by Cal State Northridge, 2-1
With the game knotted at 1-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth, Cal State Northridge (5-16) was able to push across a single run which would prove to be the winning run as the Black Bears (4-14) fell 2-1 in game two of a doubleheader on Friday afternoon. EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.) went 1-for-2 with a run scored for Maine while Beth Spoehr (Appleton, Wis.) had a solid outting in the circle, going six innings while giving up just a pair of runs.

March 6, 2012
Softball Downed by San Diego State 8-0
The Black Bears fell behind 6-0 in the first inning and could not battle back, dropping the contest 8-0 in five innings to San Diego State. Maine falls to 4-12 with the loss while the Aztecs improve to 13-11. Nikki Byron (Trabuco Canyon, Calif.), Jessica Burk (Warrenton, Va.) and Lindsey Jenkins (Greenwich, Conn.) each had a hit for the Black Bears.

March 6, 2012
Softball Nipped by San Diego 7-4
The University of Maine softball team fell in game one of a Tuesday doubleheader by a score of 7-4 to San Diego. The loss drops Maine back to 4-11 overall while the Toreros improve to 10-6. Jean Stevens (Albany, Ore.) paced Maine's attack as she went 1-for-2 at the dish with one run scored.

March 4, 2012
Black Bears Drop 2-0 Decision to UC-Davis
The Black Bears kept things close but could not manage to get over the hump, dropping their finale at the Riverside Invitational 2-0 to UC-Davis. Junior Hilary Kane (Concord, N.H.) went 2-for-2 to lead the Maine offense while starter Ashley Kelley (Hermon, Maine) kept the game in touch as she went the distance while giving up just two runs. Maine falls to 4-10 with the loss while the Aggies improve to 6-13.

March 3, 2012
Maine Defeated by Portland St. in Softball Action, 6-2
The Black Bears fell behind 4-0 and couldn't quite fight back, dropping a 6-2 contest to Portland St. on Saturday afternoon. The loss slips Maine back to 4-9 on the season while the Vikings improve to 8-9. Dagmar Ralphs (O'Fallon, Ill.) went 1-for-3 with an RBI to lead Maine while Hilary Kane (Concord, N.H.) and EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.) also each recorded hits for the Black Bears.

February 29, 2012
Black Bears Complete Doubleheader Sweep of Long Beach State
Jennifer Eberhardt's (Glendale, Ariz.) two out single in the top of the eighth inning gave the Black Bears a 3-2 lead that they would not let go of, earning them a sweep of the doubleheader over Long Beach State. The win, Maine's third in a row, improves the Black Bears to 4-6 on the season.

February 29, 2012
Black Bears Rally Late, Defeat Long Beach State 6-4
Trailing 4-0 heading into the top of the sixth inning, the Black Bear offense came to life as they plated five runs in the inning and went on to take the contest 6-4 in game one of a doubleheader against Long Beach State. Dagmar Ralphs (O'Fallon, Ill.) paced Maine's attack with her second-straight 3-for-3 game while Jennifer Eberhardt (Glendale, Ariz.) went 1-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored.

February 27, 2012
Softball Falls in Game One to Oregon St., 4-0
The University of Maine softball team fell in game one of a doubleheader with Oregon St by a score of 4-0. The loss slips Maine back to 1-5 while the Beavers improve to 12-4. Kristen Koslosky (Castro Valley, Calif.) paced Maine's offense as she went 2-for-3.

February 27, 2012
Softball Drops Game Two to Oregon St.
The University of Maine softball squad (1-6) dropped game two of its doubleheader with Oregon St. (13-4) by a score of 13-0 on Monday evening. EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.) and Brynne Davis (Winslow, Maine) each doubled for the Black Bears.

February 20, 2012
Jean Stevens Named America East Player of the Week
Jean Stevens (Albany, Ore.) has received the America East Player of the Week nod for her performance in Maine's opening weekend series. The sophomore went 6-for-12 with two home runs, two RBIs, two runs scored and three walks in five games for the Black Bears.

February 14, 2012
Jean Stevens Honored by College Sports Madness
College Sports Madness has named softball sophomore Jean Stevens (Albany, Ore.) its Player of the Week for her exceptional performance in Maine's opening weekend at South Florida.

February 12, 2012
Spoehr's Three-Hit Shutout Leads Maine Past Long Island
Beth Spoehr's (Appleton, Wis.) complete game three-hit shutout propelled the Black Bears to their first win of the season; a 1-0 victory over Long Island on Sunday afternoon at USF. Lindsey Jenkins (Greenwich, Conn.) scored the lone run for the Black Bears while Jessica Burk (Warrenton, Va.) and EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.) each went 2-for-3.

February 11, 2012
Softball Defeated by #2/4 Florida 8-0
The Black Bears held up strong behind the arm of Kylie Sparks (Kirkland, Wash.) against #2/4 Florida for two innings before the Gators plated five in the second en route to an 8-0 win in five innings. EmJ Fogel (Vienna, Va.), Hilary Kane (Concord, N.H.) and Jean Stevens (Albany, Ore.) each went 1-for-2 for the Black Bears. Stevens recorded the only extra base hit for Maine with a double in the first inning.

February 11, 2012
Florida Gulf Coast Downs Maine 8-1 in Softball Action
The Black Bears hung close with Florida Gulf Coast until the Eagles busted out a six-run top of the sixth to take an 8-1 lead they would not relinquish. The loss slips Maine back to 0-3 on the year while Florida Gulf Coast improves to 2-1. Dagmar Ralphs (O'Fallon, Ill.) paced the Maine offense going 2-for-3 with a triple and an RBI.

February 10, 2012
Softball Drops Season Opener in Extra Innings to Illinois St.
The University of Maine softball team failed to hold a 4-3 lead with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning as Illinois St. was able to hit a two-out home run to tie things up and eventually take the 2012 season opener 5-4 in extra innings. Jean Stevens (Albany, Ore.) belted two solo home runs to lead the Maine offensive attack as the sophomore finished the day 2-for-2 with two runs scored, two RBIs, two walks and a pair of roundtrippers.

February 10, 2012
Softball Falls to USF, 8-1
The Black Bears found themselves in an early hole, down 4-0 after the first inning to the University of South Florida, and could not fight back, falling 8-1 in the second game of an opening day doubleheader on Friday afternoon. Jean Stevens (Albany, Ore.) went 2-for-3 for Maine while Katlin Norton (South Portland, Maine) scored the Black Bears' lone run.

February 10, 2012
Inclement Weather Forces Changes to USF Softball Tournament Schedule
Due to inclement weather, the finish of Friday’s scheduled game between the University of Florida and Long Island University has been pushed back to 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning on Feb. 11. Friday’s scheduled game between FGCU and No. 2 Florida was not started, and will be played in its entirety Sunday afternoon.

February 7, 2012
Softball Selected Sixth in America East Pre-Season Poll
The University of Maine softball squad has been selected to finish sixth in the America East Pre-Season poll, as announced by the conference this afternoon. The Black Bears return 11 from the team that went 18-31, 7-10 in league play, while finishing in fifth place, a year ago.

January 30, 2012
Softball to Host Black Bear Power Breakfast Wednesday, Feb. 1
The University of Maine softball squad will be hosting its annual Black Bear Breakfast on Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 7:30-9 a.m. at Wells Conference Center.

January 2, 2012
Kevin Welch Hired as Assistant Coach with Softball
Head softball coach Lynn Coutts has announced the hiring of Kevin Welch as an assistant on the staff. Former interim head coach Maureen Barron will also remain on the staff as a volunteer and will work specifically with the pitching staff.

December 30, 2011
Coach Coutts to Speak at World Softball Coaches Convention
University of Maine head softball coach Lynn Coutts will be one of many special presenters at this year's World Softball Coaches Convention held at the Mohegan Sun Resort Casino in Uncasville, Conn. on Saturday, Jan. 21.

December 16, 2011
Softball Announces 2012 Schedule
Head coach Lynn Coutts and the University of Maine softball program have announced its 2012 game schedule. The Black Bears will play a total of 13 games in Orono this season along with a slew of non-conference games on the road.

December 16, 2011
Softball to Host Winter Clinics
The University of Maine softball program will once again be holding Winter Clinics for any and all softball players in grades 5-12 on multiple Sundays throughout January and into February. The clinics will start on January 8th and will run each Sunday through February 5th.

December 6, 2011
Softball Volunteers with UCP of Maine
On Monday, December 5th members of the softball team volunteered for United Cerebral Palsy of Maine by helping them with their annual gift wrapping fundraiser. The student-athletes worked at UCP's gift wrapping booth at the Bangor Mall and wrapped gifts for customers in exchange for donations. All proceeds are given directly to UCP.

November 9, 2011
Lynn Coutts Introduced as Softball Head Coach
University of Maine Director of Athletics Steve Abbott announced today that Lynn Coutts will be the head coach of the UMaine Softball team.