MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The Hilbert College softball team dropped a 7-3 defeat to Castleton University in the opening game of the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic March 3. 

The Hawks rainy nightcap game against Penn State Harrisburg was called mid-way and is officially cancelled.

Hilbert scored three runs off seven hits through seven innings against Castleton. 

Marisa McIntyre went the full distance in the circle, gave up nine hits, five unearned runs and collected eight strikeouts along with five walks.

Maia Delaney was hot, going 3-for-3 at the plate and earned one RBI.  Hannah Prenoveau went 2-for-3 and scored one run.

GAME ONE

The Hawks were in scoring position in the third but stranded the runner at third base on the third out.

Castleton took a 5-run lead through four innings before Hilbert finally got on the scoreboard in the 5th with two runs.  The Hawks added one final marker in the seventh but fell short of a comeback.

Pinch hitter Victoria Grayson singled through the right side and Nateal Papasergi, who took the bag for Gayson, moved around to third off back-to-back hits by Hannah Prenoveau and Delaney in the top of the 5th.  Alyssa Barnas fielder's choice knocked Papasergi home and Prenoveau scored Hilbert's second run as Barnas was thrown out trying to steal second base.

Delaney's double in the 7th inning scored Emma McNamara who took 1st base off a base on balls at the top of the inning.

The Hawks (0-1) return to action March 4 with games against Rivier College and the University of Mary Washington.

Be sure to stay up-to-date on all your Hilbert Hawk scores and awards by following @HilbertAthletic on Twitter and by liking the "Hilbert College Athletics" Facebook page.  Additionally, fans of the Hawks who have an Apple device can receive push notification from the newly created Hilbert College Hawks iOS SIDEARM mobile App which can be found in the Apple Store and ITunes.