MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. - The Golden Grizzlies opened their Horizon League schedule with a convincing 3-1 win behind stellar pitching and defensive efforts, shining in the first of a three-game road series against the Robert Morris Colonials.

The Golden Grizzlies wasted no time getting on the board in the second inning. Reese Ruhlman drew a walk to start the inning, and Madi Herrington followed suit to put two runners on base. Mia Konyvka worked another walk, setting up a prime scoring opportunity. Taylor Carraway came through with a clutch RBI single, plating Ruhlman to give Oakland a 1-0 lead. Shortly after, Jenna Johnston delivered a run-scoring single of her own, extending the advantage to 2-0.

Starting pitcher Alyssa Balcom was in control early, allowing just three hits over five innings while keeping the Colonials off the board. The only run she surrendered came in the bottom of the fifth when RMU's Katlyn Jardine knocked an RBI single, cutting the lead to 2-1. Despite the pressure, Balcom maintained her poise, finishing with one strikeout and one walk over five solid innings.

In the sixth inning, the Golden Grizzlies gave themselves some breathing room. With two outs, Storm Kentros delivered a crucial RBI single, pushing the lead to 3-1.

Kenna Bommarito took over in the sixth and shut down the Colonials over the final two innings. She allowed just two hits while striking out one to earn the save, sealing a strong win for the Golden Grizzlies.

Over the course of the game Oakland saw several stellar plays from their defense, including a run-saving diving catch in left field by Kamryn Troyer in the fourth inning, as well as a diving play at shortstop by Madi Herrington in the fifh inning to end a RMU rally attempt.

Taylor Carraway led the offense with a perfect 3-for-3 performance and an RBI, while Storm Kentros and Jenna Johnston each contributed an RBI hit. Alyssa Balcom picked up the win, throwing five innings of one-run ball, and Kenna Bommarito closed out the game with two scoreless innings to earn the save.

The Golden Grizzlies and the Colonials will close out their series with a doubleheader tomorrow, beginning at 1 p.m.