By Brian Roe, Sports Writer

The ACU Wildcats opened the 2004 season Monday night at Wells Field sending two new pitchers to the mound en route of splitting a non-conference doubleheader against St. Edwards.

The Wildcats won the first game 4-3 on a game-winning hit by sophomore outfielder Danielle Faulk. Junior catcher Ashley Whittenberg reached second base on a throwing error by the Hilltoppers in the fourth inning and Faulk singled to left field to put the Wildcats up for good.

Junior transfer pitcher Lacey Beaston pitched the entire opening game, striking out two batters while only allowing one walk and three earned runs in her first win in a Wildcat uniform.

“We are expecting some big things from Lacey this season,” head coach Chantiel Wilson said.

Faulk produced the most for ACU, going 2 for 3 with one RBI. Junior infielder Valerie Malkinson perfected the art of getting on base earning two walks and an RBI single in her three at-bats.

Freshman pitcher Allison Crouse made her ACU debut Monday night as well, starting the second game for the Wildcats against the Hilltoppers. Crouse did not achieve the same success as Beaston, however, pitching only two and two-thirds innings giving up two runs.

Beaston relieved Crouse in game two, but she lasted only one and one-third inning giving up eight runs, four unearned, and earning the loss in an ugly 16-7 game.

The Wildcats gave up 10 unearned runs by committing five errors in the nightcap. St. Edwards put the game out of reach by piecing together an eight run fourth inning.

ACU did shine a few bright spots in the game, including sophomore pitcher Heather Cochran pitching two scoreless innings. Senior centerfielder Michele Gereaux led the Wildcats offensively gaining four hits and knocking in one run.

Junior first baseman Katie Bryan reached base three times, walking twice and hitting an RBI single.

The Wildcats return to action tomorrow 3 p.m. at Wells Field against Colorado State-Pueblo in another doubleheader.