FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The No. 8 Salisbury University softball team opened up its 2012 regular season at the Methodist Early Bird Tournament with an 8-1 win against Piedmont College on Friday afternoon.

Senior pitcher Erika Brittingham (1-0) went six innings striking out six batters and allowing one hit, to earn her first win of the season. The Georgetown, Del., native also contributed in the batter's box hitting a two-run home run in the second inning. Brittingham went 2-for-2 at the plate.

Earlier in the second inning, junior Michelle Gravdahl sent her first homer of the season out of the park for a three-run home run. Gravdahl also picked off a Piedmont base runner, throwing a cannon to first base for the out.

Salisbury first baseman Harley Hill had an impressive day at the plate going 3-for-4, driving in two runs.

Sophomore Kathryn Larson relieved Brittingham in the seventh inning, retiring the side in order.

Salisbury (1-0) was leading Roanoke College, 5-0, when the game was suspended in the sixth inning due to rain. The Gulls will resume play at 10 a.m., on Saturday.

To wrap up the tournament, Salisbury will face Greensboro College at 12:30 p.m., and then North Carolina Wesleyan College at 2:30 p.m.