BUTLERTWP — Chalk it up to a learning experience.

That's what first-year Butler softball coach Lindsay Partridge is preaching.

The Golden Tornado got a hard lesson from Riverside Thursday afternoon when the Panthers broke open a tight game with 10 runs in the third and fourth innings to cruise to a 12-1 win in five innings.

"It's growing pains," Partridge said. "We tried to work with a couple of pitchers in there today, two of whom have not pitched in a varsity game before."

Partridge started freshman pitcher Amy Steinheiser, who gave up two runs and walked two in the first inning, but got out of a bases-loaded jam.

In the second inning, Butler turned to sophomore Kara White, who wiggled her way out of another bases-loaded situation in the second inning, escaping without giving up a run.

Normally a catcher, White has been moonlighting as a pitcher recently.

"Honestly, (Kara) has had just a couple of weeks worth of pitching lessons and that's it," Partridge said. "But she has a heck of an arm throwing overhanded and a heck of an arm throwing underhanded. It's just too bad we can't pitch her and catch her at the same time."

White threw hard, but she struggled with her control. She walked five, hit two batters and uncorked three wild pitches before sophomore Stacy Reges relieved her in the fourth.

Playing in its season opener, Riverside scored four runs in the third inning, keyed by a two-run double by pitcher Kari Faik and a run-scoring single by Dana Faik.

The Panthers added six more runs in the fourth and Kari Faik drove in three more runs with another double.

Faik also hamstrung the Golden Tornado in the circle, scattering three hits over five innings. The only run the freshman surrendered was unearned.

For Butler, which has lost consecutive games to start the season, it's back to the drawing board.

Partridge is viewing the non-section schedule as a scrimmage season to prepare for the very difficult road the section season will prove to be.

"Our goals are to play full games, to go seven innings," Partridge said. "If we play our best and lose, that's a success for us at this point."

Despite losing the first two games by a combined score of 22-5, Partridge is encouraged by her young core.

Freshman shortstop Jenna Geibel singled and has hit safely in both games. She also stole a base in the first inning, launching herself into second base head first ala Pete Rose.

She is one of the cornerstones of a young lineup that put the ball in play against Riverside.

"In a lot of ways, (Geibel) is more confident than our upper classmen," Partridge said. "Hopefully, everyone will find their niche."

Riverside 204 60x x—12 13 2Butler 000 10x x— 1 3 2WP: Kari Faik (5 IP) 7 strikeouts, 0 walks.

LP: Amy Steinheiser (1 IP) 0 strikeouts, 2 walks

Riverside (1-0): Kari Faik 1B, 2-2B, 5-RBI; Dana Faik 2-2B, 2-RBI; Chelsea Peria 2B, RBI; Kessi Osborne 2-1B, 2-RBI; Ashlee Hoyman 1B, RBI

Butler (0-2): Jenna Geibel 1B; Trisha Hollerman 1B; Kelly Anzaldi 1B

Today: Kiski Area at Butler