One-run games have been the theme this spring for the Jamestown College softball team, unfortunately for the Jimmies they've been on the losing end of most of them.

JC lost two more one-run games on Monday in the opening round of the Tucson Invitational in Tucson, Ariz. dropping the Jimmies to 1-4 in one-run contests this season.

The Jimmies did, however, pick up a blow-out victory over Cornerstone University to give them a 1-2 record on the opening day of tournament play.

Madonna University edged out the Jimmies in Monday's opener 2-1 in eight innings before they crushed Cornerstone 13-7 in Game 2. Peru State College slipped by JC in Monday's nightcap 3-2 to drop the Jimmies to 3-5 this season.

"Four out of our five losses this season have been by one run," said JC coach Kevin Gall. "We've just been making a few too many mistakes."

The Jimmies continue play today against Robert Morris College and Acquinas College.

Madonna 2, Jamestown College 1 (8)

The Jimmies pushed undefeated Madonna to the limit in Monday's opener, but the Crusaders were able to plate a run in the eighth inning to extend their winning streak to eight games.

Madonna University had just five hits but the Crusaders were able to capitalize on two Jimmies errors, one coming in the extra frame, to hand the Jimmies their first loss of the day.

Steph Bolt started on the mound for JC, and despite not allowing an earned run, she was saddled with the loss, dropping her to 1-2 on the year.

"She's going to pitch a lot of games like that this year," Gall said. "Hopefully, she's going to win a lot of those games though."

The junior transfer struck out 10 and walked four in her complete-game effort.

Jess Irwin got the win on the mound for the Crusaders after fanning 12 Jimmie batters.

JC's Megan Stepro drove in the Jimmies' only run in the bottom of the fifth inning with an infield hit up the middle. Cassie Hite scored from second on the hit.

Jamestown College13, Cornerstone 7

Alyssa Lovas went 5-for-5 as the Jimmies went off against Cornerstone University to pick up their first win of the tournament.

The sophomore second baseman had five singles in what was the Jimmies' second-best offensive performance so far this year.

"We were hitting the balls on a line," said Gall. "We were able to make some things happen."

Erica Rush also had a productive day at the plate for the Jimmies going 3 for 5 with 4 RBIs. Hite had two doubles and centerfielder Heather Haegele had two singles.

Emily Snow picked up the win (1-1) after giving up seven runs on 10 hits.

"Cornerstone isn't as good of a team as Madonna or Peru State," Gall said. "We would have rather been able to pull out a win in one of those games, but we'll take it."

Peru State 3, Jamestown College 2

Peru State outscored the Jimmies 2-1 in the third inning and that was the difference as the Bobcats nipped JC 3-2.

The Jimmies, who were held scoreless in the final four innings, nearly tied the game with two outs in the bottom of the seventh but Celene Eccles' liner to the gap was caught and the Bobcats escaped with the victory.

"Their player made an awesome catch," Gall said. "They were a good defensive team."

Kristin Enos had an RBI double in the second inning, while Stepro reached base safely three times, including one hit.

JC pitcher Jessica Lees (1-2) got the start and Bolt relieved her in the seventh.

"Lees did alright," Gall said of the pitcher. "She didn't have everything working."

Tucson Invitational Games

In Tucson, Ariz.

Madonna 2, Jamestown College 1 (8)

Madonna 000 100 01 - 2 5 1

Jamestown College 000 010 00 - 1 8 2

M-Jess Irwin and Ashley Shay. J-Steph Bolt and Kristin Enos. W-Irwin. L-Steph Bolt (1-2).

Jamestown College 13, Cornerstone University 7

Jamestown College 215 203 0 - 3 5

Cornerstone University 001 204 0 - 7 10

J-Emily Snow and Kelsie Jensen. Gruppen. W-Snow (1-1). L-Gruppen.

Peru State 3, Jamestown College 2

Peru State 012 000 0 - 3 5

Jamestown College 011 000 0 - 2 6

P-Massengale. J-Jessica Lees, Bolt (7) and Enos. W-Massengale. L-Lees (1-2).