MANKATO, Minn. – The Falcons opened the year on Saturday afternoon at the Bethany Kwik-Trip Invitational against a pair of Minnesota schools. The Birds soared to a 10-3 victory in game one over Hamline, but fell 1-4 against St. Mary's.

The Falcons scored four runs of the second inning against the Pipers.

CUW scored on a double steal when freshman Hope Hughes (Joliet, Ill.) stole second and junior Jenna Lischka (Manitowoc, Wis.) stole home.

Senior Rylie DuVal (Elgin, Ill.) tripled to right field that plated Hughes.

Junior Jenna Shadoski (Janesville, Wis.) singled to right field to score DuVal.

Shadoski later scored on an error.

The Pipers played their comeback tune with three runs in the third inning to cut into the lead.

Rylie DuVal struck again to score Hope Hughes in the fourth inning with a single up the middle.

A senior Nora Statz (Helenville, Wis.) single into the gap in right-center field scored senior Julia Moker (Richfield, Wis.) and Jenna Shadoski.

Junior Isa Bruno (Chicago, Ill.) bashed a single to right field that allowed Nora Statz to score.

Another double steal was successful in the fourth when senior Maggie Plahmer (Slinger, Wis.) showed her sneaky skills and took home plate when Jenna Lischka stole second.

CUW added to the lead in the sixth inning with an error that allowed Jenna Shadoski to cross home plate.

Junior Kylie Strupp (Slinger, Wis.) was credited with the win. Faith Kuiper finished with two strikeouts.

The Falcons' lone run of game two came in the first inning off the batt of Isa Bruno that plated Jenna Shadoski.

Junior Emma Shellstrom (San Diego, Calif.) finished with two strikeouts in game two.

The Falcons wrap up their weekend in Mankato on Sunday morning against Carleton and Gustavus Adolphus.