How it Happened
Rhode Island (0-1) struggled defensively and suffered a 12-0 loss to Stetson in its season opener Friday night.

Playing as the home team despite being at Stetson's Lead-Off Classic, the Rams got into an early 3-0 hole after half an inning. Leadoff batter Jessie Tenbroeck reached on an error and eventually scored on an RBI fielder's choice by Amanda Grimaldo. The next batter, Demi Meza followed with a two-run home run.

Stetson added three more runs in the second inning and five in the third. Of the first 11 runs the Hatter scored, eight were unearned as a result of three defensive miscues by Rhode Island.

Inside the Box Score:

• Freshmen Danielle Gariglio, Jenna Cubello and Marylynn Muldowney all started in their collegiate debuts. Gariglio batted leadoff and played centerfield. Cubello got the nod at shortstop and batted sixth, while Muldowney was at second base batting ninth.
• Senior Jocelyn Mattison had Rhode Island's first hit of the season, a two-out single in the first inning. It was the 98th hit of her career, leaving Mattison two shy of 100.
• Stacey Fox reached base twice via a walk for the Rams.
• Emily Hendricks walked in her first plate appearance of the year.
• Senior pitcher Cassie Baker pitched a scoreless inning of relief. 
• Freshman pitcher Ashley Dumoulin made her debut for Rhode Island, pitching 1.1 innings. She allowed one run on one hit and struck out one batter.
• In the first game of the day, Stetson defeated Michigan State, 5-1. Stetson head coach Frank Griffin became the 40th Division I coach to reach 800 career wins with the victory.

Stat of the Day
7 – Of the 10 players in the Rhode Island starting lineup, seven were either freshmen or sophomores. The Rams started four sophomores and three freshmen.

What's Next
The Rams are back in action Saturday with a pair of games. Rhody battles Michigan State at 1:30 p.m. and has a rematch with Stetson at 4 p.m.