WALTHAM, Mass. – The Brandeis University softball team mustered just two hits today as the Judges dropped a 9-0 decision to nearby rival Lasell College on Marcus Field in Brandeis's home opener.

Lasell (4-5) got all the offense they would need in the top half of the first inning on a two-run single by sophomore DP Katlyn Billian (E. Meadow, N.Y.). Brandeis (2-8) starter Natalie Volpe (Southington, Conn.) was able to keep her team in the contest through the sixth inning, when the visitors added another run on an RBI double by rookie 3B Kelly Barden (Quincy, Mass.).

The Lasers broke things open in the seventh inning, plating six runs off a tiring Volpe. The big blows were a three-run home run by sophomore SS Heather Rose (W. Roxbury, Mass.) and a two-run blast by Barden. They were the first round-trippers of the season for both players.

Brandeis's only hits came in the fifth inning off the bat of rookie DP Allie Mussen (Franklin Square, N.Y.) and in the seventh by senior pinch hitter Christina McWilliams (Billerica, Mass.).

Rookie pitcher Nicole Slader (N. Smithfield, R.I.) was impressive for the Lasers, allowing just the two hits and striking out seven and walking three in tossing a complete game. She improved to 2-2 on the season. Volpe, who struck out nine for the Judges surrendered 11 hits in seven innings.

Billian and Barden were two of three multiple hitters for Lasell, each going 2-4 with three RBI and a run scored. Junior RF Jamie Faro (E. Boston, Mass.) was the third, going 2-3 with a run scored.

Brandeis is next in action with a doubleheader against Worcester State College tomorrow at 3:00 p.m., while Lasell hosts Regis for a pair at the same time.