Written By: Durango Herald Sports Staff

March 12, 2010.  Farmington, NM. -  The Fort Lewis College softball team finally opened its “home" season Friday afternoon in Farmington.

The Skyhawks split a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference doubleheader against Chadron State, winning the first game 7-2 and losing the nightcap 10-9 in eight innings.

“Stephanie Janes pitched a really good game for us," Fort Lewis head coach Pam Adams said of the opener. While she was taking care of the Chadron State hitters, the Skyhawks jumped to an early lead with five runs in the first inning.

“Then we scattered four more runs. We hit everything … all over the place," Adams said.

Natalie Janes hit a two-run home run to support her sister's pitching. Ashley Hibbs also homered for FLC.

Jordan Willis had two hits.

Janes pitched the complete-game victory, allowing only two solo homers by Chadron State.

The second game was a familiar rerun for the Skyhawks, who dropped another one-run thriller in extra innings.

“The opportunity was there," Adams said.

The Skyhawks, down 10-8, scored one run in the bottom of the eighth. They had runners at second and third when Chadron recorded the final out.

“We had the winning run at second base, but we just couldn't get it done," Adams said. “But … the opportunity was right there. We hope to keep getting those opportunities … and maybe (today) we can take advantage."

Fort Lewis (5-9 overall, 4-4 in the RMAC) will host Chadron State (5-10, 2-4) in another RMAC doubleheader today at Ricketts Park in Farmington. The first game of the twin bill will start at 11 a.m.

heraldsports@durangoherald.com