Mahwah, NJ: The Ramapo College Roadrunners opened their 2002 season today at Jeff Maund Field and dropped a tough 5-7 decision to the Purple Pride of Nyack College. After falling behind 2-0 to start the game, the Roadrunners stepped up and tied the game in the bottom of the 5th after senior pitcher SHAUN BURSTEIN (Beachwood, NJ) scored on a sacrifice fly by senior DAVE KOLZE (River Edge, NJ). BURSTEIN hit a triple to lead off the 5th. Ramapo then took a 5-2 lead in the 6th but fell to the Purple Pride as the fought back to tie the game in the 7th.

Ralph Carusillo (Port Jefferson Station, NY) led off the 8th with a home run to score the go ahead run for Nyack. Patrick Getzfread (West Conshohocken, PA) followed with a single and later scored on a sacrifice fly to center by sophomore Robert Tringale (Erlanger, KY). Getzfread went 2-4 for the day while Tringale was 1-3. Junior pitcher JV Nyman (Tucson, AZ) was awarded the win with two strikeouts.

For the Roadrunners, rookie DOUG ADAY (Dallas, TX) hit one over the fence in the bottom of the 3rd to start Ramapo's bats swinging. ADAY went 2-4 while fellow rookie RYAN PAXTON (Long Valley, NJ) also hit .500 (2-4). BURSTEIN pitched 6 2/3 innings recording eight strikeouts and only two walks.

The Roadrunners will host a double-header with Mercy College on Sunday, March 17th at noon.