KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The Albion College softball team could not have drawn a more difficult assignment for its first game of the season. The Britons challenged Montclair State University, the No. 1 team in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III poll, and came away with a 9-0 loss in five innings. Albion also dropped a 13-5 decision to Millikin University in five innings on Sunday.

Sarah Bucholz, Albion's starting pitcher, kept Montclair State hitless for the first two innings. The Red Hawks broke through in the third, plating six runs. Montclair State added three more runs in the fifth.

MacKenzie Sanford and Nicole Romain hit singles and Jessica Koehler and Michelle Norgren drew walks for Albion.

Albion jumped out to an early 1-0 lead over Millikin as Koehler drew a leadoff walk, and advanced to third when the Big Blue first baseman threw wide of first base when Sanford laid down a sacrifice bunt, and scored when Norgren hit into a fielder's choice.

Albion trailed 11-1 when it went to bat in the fifth, but the Britons rallied for four runs. Norgren, Nicole Romain, Kacey Anderson and Bucholz drove in the inning.

Bucholz produced two hits against Millikin, while Romain rapped a hit in each game.

Albion returns to the Osceola County Softball Complex Monday for afternoon games against Fitchburg State and Saint Norbert.