NIC splits softball openers

Lauren Maloney had a double and a home run with two RBIs and Amanda Krier added three hits as North Idaho knocked off Central Arizona 4-2 to open its softball season Friday before falling to Pima CC 5-3 at the Mizuno Kickoff Classic in Henderson, Nev.

Jessica Ross picked up the win in the opener, relieving Kathy Comack in the second inning and pitching six shutout innings with five strikeouts and three hits allowed.

Hockey

The Spokane Braves (26-19-0-2) posted a 4-0 win over the Grand Forks Border Bruins (3-39-1-1) in Kootenay International Junior Hockey League play at Grand Forks, British Columbia. Cash Ulrich made 23 saves.