FORT COLLINS, Colo. – On a day that began in northern Utah, the Marist concluded a busy day with a set-back on the first day of the Colorado State Spring Tournament. Prior to departing Salt Lake City via airplane, the decision was made that due to possible impeding weather towards the end of the three-day tournament, that the Red Foxes and Rams would play a day early on Thursday afternoon. The high-scoring hosts tied a season-high in runs as they defeated Marist 17-0 in a run-rule shortened game.

With all of the travel factors putting Marist in a disadvantage from the start, the Rams showcased an offense that scored 10-plus runs four times in its first 21 games in 2013, as well as the reigning Mountain West Conference Pitcher of the Year, Kacie McCarthy.

From the first inning, the Rams rolled with three runs in the bottom of the frame. Over the next three innings, the hosts would plate 14 more runs to force the run-rule shortened outing.

Junior Alyssa Zahka (Lexington, Mass.) and freshman Nicole Cheek (Simi Valley, Calif.) each reached base twice for the Red Foxes as Zahka hit two singles, while Cheek had a walk and a single.

Sophomore Melanie White (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) took the loss for Marist with nine runs allowed off of 12 hits in three innings pitched.

The Red Foxes will be back in action on Friday with a pair of games in the tournament; versus Ball State at 11:00 am EDT and Columbia at 1:15.