AE Tourney: Bears Open With A Win [VIDEO]

The UMaine softball team opened defense of its America East Championship with a 9-1 win over Hartford in day one of the '17 tourney in New York.

The game ended in the 5th inning because of the 8-run mercy rule.

The #2 seed Black Bears move on to play #4 seed Albany Friday morning at 11am in the winner's bracket game.

Meghan Royle was the big hitter for Maine with a double, triple and five RBI.

Pitchers Erin Bogdanovich and Molly Flowers limited the Hawks to just one hit.