Spring classes have long been over and the Nebraska temperature may have already reached 80, but Summer hasn't officially started until the UNL Intramural Softball season has begun. Indeed, our own food science team, the Raging Pathogens, were on the field last night trying to defend the championship crown (actually T-shirts) they won last year. Starting the season with a double-header, the Pathogens missed nary a beat from last year, winning both games rather handily. In Game One, solid defense and timely hitting, the formula that worked so well last year, led to an 11-0 win and Doc Hutkins' first shut-out in 25 years. Game two was bit tighter, 7-5, with only some uncharacteristic sloppy fielding in the last inning giving the appearance of a close game. Newcomers, Mike Nietfeltd (from the Benson lab), Grant Wallace (Walter lab), and Anne Rigdon (Bullerman lab) all contributed, as did the returning veterans, Beau Davis, Kelly Dawson, Kenzi Clark, Matt Crotty, Suzy Hammons, Timothy Anderson, Bob Hutkins, and Coach Ryan Talley.

Attendance at the Opener was quite impressive, with approximately five spectators leading the cheers.

Without a game scheduled for next week, the team returns to action on Monday, July 7 at 8:15 at the Flemming Fields (just off N. 33rd Street). For the full schedule and live-action photos of the team, go to: http://www.unl.edu/foodscienceclub/Site/Softball.html