By Ashley Parsons

The University of Louisville softball team started their season in the Florida State University Early Bird Tournament this past weekend.

The Cards defeated Troy University 5-0 in the first round, then went on to beat host Florida State 4-3 in the second. U of L took out the University of Southern Mississippi 5-1 before falling to Florida State 6-4 in the championship game.

Against Troy, U of L scored four runs in the final three innings to put the game away. Sophomore catcher Melissa Roth finished three-for-four with two runs scored and two RBIs while tying the school record for doubles in a game with three.

Roth led the Cards once more against Florida State, going two-for-four with a pair of RBIs. Junior pitcher Mandi Rodriguez picked up the win after allowing four hits and two runs in three innings.

Junior centerfielder Kristi Cunningham pounded two home runs in the Cards’ win over Southern Miss. Sophomore pitcher Kristen Wadwell allowed one earned run on two hits while striking out four to get the win.

In a rematch with the Seminoles in the title game, FSU first baseman Brittany Osmon smacked a three-run home run in the top of the seventh to put the Seminoles up for good. The Cards threatened with the go-ahead run at the plate in the bottom of the seventh, but FSU pitcher Terese Gober struck out leftfielder Brittney Counts to end the tournament.

The tournament begins a tough schedule for the Cards this season. With games scheduled against nine teams that competed during 2007 NCAA tournament, the Cardinals will have to step it up against this extreme challenge.

Led by Cunningham, the team captain, the Cards have enough experience on the field. U of L head coach Sandy Pearsall expects Cunningham to fill the leadership role well.

ìKristi leads by example every day,î Pearsall said. ìShe gives 100 percent in everything she does and is the epitome of a team player.î

Cunningham said she is excited about her role as team captain.

ìIt’s a great honor,î Cunningham said. ìIt’s a lot of work keeping twenty girls straight, but so much fun.î

This season should be one of historical significance for Pearsall. She is four wins away from No. 300 as U of L’s coach.

Pearsall still has other goals in mind.

ìOur goals are to win our conference,î Pearsall said. ìAnd eventually make our way to the College World Series.