Clinton, Miss. – No. 5 ranked University of Mobile (32-7) won the opening game of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference 2008 Softball Tournament over Spring Hill College 2-1 on Friday evening.

The Lady Badgers took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning when third baseman Kristen Knipe scored from second base off a double to right field by first baseman Jessica Scallan.  Mobile answered right back with a run in the bottom of the frame and then took the lead in the sixth inning.

Spring Hill starter Brittany Abate (6-8) took the loss but allowed just four hits in her complete-game effort.  Ginger Reeser was the winner for the Lady Rams and allowed only three hits.

Following the contest, SHC Head Coach Alison Sellers-Cook commented, "Our team gave an awesome effort.  I couldn't ask my team to play better, but we just came up one run shy."

The Lady Badgers (18-27) will face the host team Belhaven College (30-23) at 10 a.m. in an elimination game while Mobile advances to the winner's bracket to play William Carey University at 12:15 p.m.