WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – The University of Chicago softball team made its season debut on Saturday and absorbed a pair of losses to Benedictine University and Fontbonne University.

Benedictine 1, UChicago 0

UChicago's offense was stifled in Saturday's opener and limited to one hit in the game. Madeline Murphy provided a single in the top of the fifth. But Benedictine got the only run it needed in the bottom of the fifth on an RBI groundout.

The Maroons made things interesting in the top of the seventh inning when Nicole Wong reached on an error and stole second. However, the Eagles got the final outs to secure the win.

Starting pitcher Paige Heffke (0-1 record) went six innings with four hits and one run allowed.

Fontbonne 6, UChicago 2

The Maroons fell victim to a five-run fourth inning in game two versus Fontbonne. UChicago was able to put two runs on the board with one in the fourth and one in the fifth. An outfield error brought in the first and Paige Zvokel smacked a solo homer to left field to account for the second.

The final box score featured six hits and four errors by the Maroons. Laila Sims batted 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and two stolen bases.

Starting pitcher Delaney Romanchick (0-1 record) allowed five runs in 3.1 innings while striking out four. Delaney Choi tossed 3.2 scoreless innings with five strikeouts.

NEXT GAMES:

• Monday, Mar. 13 @ 9:00 AM / 11:30 AM (ET) – UChicago vs. Nichols College / UChicago vs. SUNY New Paltz (at Auburndale, Fla.)