SANTA ROSA - Humboldt State softball was victorious in the first games of the season, on the road, against Dominican University.  The Jacks blasted past the Penguins in both games of the doubleheader, outscoring the opponent 11-0 in the first game and 12-3 in the second.

"Everyone that we took on the trip played," said HSU head coach Frank Cheek.  "I felt like we were a better club and we showed it," he added. 

Vaneza Hoover pitched 4.0 innings in the first game, allowing no runs and striking out five.  Jennifer Sizemore finished the game, pitching just 1.0 inning which included two strikouts and no additional runs.

Sophomore Chrissy Stalf rang in the 2011 season with a single-run homer at her first at-bat which was followed up in the second inning with another notable home run from Lindsay Warren. 

With a win under their belt, the Jacks continued to outscore the Penguins in game two on the day, 12-3.  Kristina Lewis took the mound, pitching 3.0 innings allowing four hits annd two runs scored.  Lewis struck out just one in her first appearance. 

Jessica George finished the five-inning game with 2.0 inning in control.  George allowed one run off of five hits.

The Jacks saw success with the bat in game two from Alicia Reid (3-3), Chrissy Stalf (2-4), Kirsten Nouzovsky (2-3), Sarah Fox (2-2), and Sammi Gilbert (1-1).  Gilbert's one hit was a riseball homer.

"I am pleased but not satisified," said Cheek in regards to the first games of the season.  "They (Dominican University) scored three runs which means we need to do a better job with our pitching," Cheek added 

The Jacks will now make the long road trip to Las Vegas for the Desert Stinger Tournament.  Humboldt will play five games over the Friday-Sunday span.