SF standout returns to Florence, will play for FMU

Francis Marion University softball coach Stacey Vallee has announced that former South Florence High School standout Brittany Cannon will be transferring from Santa Fe College to FMU and will play for the Patriots this coming season.

Cannon, a 5-8 native of Florence, is a left-handed center fielder. She played two honor-laden seasons for coach Chris Ahern at Santa Fe.

This past spring, she earned first-team All-American honors from both the NJCAA and the NFCA. She was named the FCCAA state Player of the Year following both of her seasons with the Saints. She was also a first-team NJCAA All-American as a freshman.

In 2009, she batted a school-record .508 with 74 runs scored, 12 doubles, 10 triples, six home runs, 40 runs batted in, and 51 stolen bases (in 53 attempts). She compiled a .528 on-base percentage and did not commit an error in 60 fielding chances. She helped lead Santa Fe to a 47-9 record and a Top 10 national ranking. She ranked seventh in the NJCAA in stolen bases, 12th in batting average, and 22nd in on-base percentage.

As a freshman, she set school records for hits (115), doubles (23), triples (15), and runs scored (85), while batting .491 with six home runs, 49 RBIs, and 50 stolen bases. She helped lead the Saints to a 62-5-1 record, the state championship, and a spot in the NJCAA national championship game.

She ended her two-year career owning the school’s career marks for hits, average, doubles, triples, runs scored, and stolen bases.

At South Florence, she played for coach Bobby Jones and helped the Bruins to a pair of AAAA state championships (2006, 2007). She earned numerous All-State honors and was named Miss Softball as a senior by the High School Sports Report.

“We are so excited about Brittany returning to Florence and attending Francis Marion,” said Vallee. “She may arguably be the most decorated recruit our program has ever signed. Her stats and honors speak for themselves. She will immediately fill our void in center field, and add power and speed to our line-up.”

Cannon will join nine players who previously committed to the Patriots: infielder Tristan Faile of Lancaster, S.C., catcher-outfielder Olivia Ferguson of Roanoke, Va., catcher-first baseman Annie Hegar of Jefferson, N.C., catcher-infielder Meghan Heiser of Sacramento, Calif., shortstop Jessica Hogan of Asheboro, N.C., right-handed pitcher Cea Knox of Myrtle Beach, right-handed pitcher Rayna McClinton of Columbia, left-handed pitcher Murphy McConnell of Milton, Ga., and utility player Jamie Ross of Cape Coral, Fla.

Francis Marion finished the 2009 season with a 32-19 record, and narrowly missed earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

Patriots gain services of Stinger shortstop

Francis Marion University softball coach Stacey Vallee has announced the addition of Asheboro, N.C., native and Florence-Darlington Technical College shortstop Jessica Hogan to the Patriot roster for the 2010 season.

This past spring, the 5-4 right-handed hitting infielder batted .407 with 32 runs scored, 13 doubles, and 18 runs batted in. She also stole a team-leading 23 bases, compiled a .470 on-base percentage and a .964 fielding percentage en route to earning NJCAA Region X first-team All-Conference and All-Tournament Team honors. She was also named her squad’s most valuable player after helping lead the Stingers to a 26-13 record.

Hogan played her freshman season at Peace College in Raleigh, N.C. She hit .317 with 32 runs scored, eight doubles, one home run, and 22 RBIs for a 27-17 Pacer squad.

She is a product of Southwestern Randolph High School, where she played for coach Steve Taylor.
“Coming from a junior college, Jessica will give us immediate experience at shortstop, something we just lost to graduation,” Vallee said. “She has also batted in the leadoff spot, a position we lost this past year as well, so if called upon she will be accustomed to it. She is a player who will bring consistency to the plate and in the field. We are happy she chose to stay in Florence to continue her softball and educational career.”

Hogan joins nine players who previously committed to the Patriots: infielder Tristan Faile of Lancaster, S.C., catcher-outfielder Olivia Ferguson of Roanoke, Va., catcher-first baseman Annie Hegar of Jefferson, N.C., catcher-infielder Meghan Heiser of Sacramento, Calif., right-handed pitcher Cea Knox of Myrtle Beach, right-handed pitcher Rayna McClinton of Columbia, left-handed pitcher Murphy McConnell of Milton, Ga., utility player Jamie Ross of Cape Coral, Fla., and right-handed pitcher Brittany Scoggins of Boiling Springs, S.C.

Francis Marion finished the 2009 season with a 32-19 record, and narrowly missed earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

Patriots add Columbia softball pitcher

Francis Marion University softball coach Stacey Vallee has announced the addition of Columbia native and Spring Valley High School product Rayna McClinton to the Patriot roster for the 2010 season. A 5-7 right-handed pitcher, McClinton is transferring to FMU from Chipola College and will have two years of eligibility.

This past spring, she compiled a 9-3 pitching mark with a 0.75 earned run average and 123 strikeouts in only 84 innings. She tossed six shutouts and opponents batted only .128 against her.

She was named to the Panhandle Conference first-team All-Conference squad as well as earning FCCAA Gulf District All-Tournament Team recognition.

McClinton played her freshman year at the University of Memphis, posting a 5-5 record with one save and a 5.56 ERA. Opponents managed only a .186 batting average against her, and she led Conference USA in fewest hits allowed.

She was a three-year letterwinner at Spring Valley, and as a senior was named All-State and played in the AAAA North/South All-Star Game where she earned MVP honors. She was also a four-time All-Region and All-Area pick.

“Rayna is a player who will bring us experience on the mound,” Vallee said. “She moves the ball well and throws hard from the right side. She is also brings some in-state talent to FMU, which we always like. She is going to be a great addition to our program in general and to our pitching staff in particular. We are happy that she has decided to choose FMU to continue her career.”

McClinton joins eight players who previously committed to the Patriots: infielder Tristan Faile of Lancaster, S.C., catcher-outfielder Olivia Ferguson of Roanoke, Va., catcher-first baseman Annie Hegar of Jefferson, N.C., catcher-infielder Meghan Heiser of Sacramento, Calif., right-handed pitcher Cea Knox of Myrtle Beach, left-handed pitcher Murphy McConnell of Milton, Ga., utility player Jamie Ross of Cape Coral, Fla., and right-handed pitcher Brittany Scoggins of Boiling Springs, S.C.

Francis Marion finished the 2009 season with a 32-19 record, and narrowly missed earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

FMU Softball Team inks pair

Francis Marion University softball coach Stacey Vallee has announced the addition of junior college pitcher Cea Knox of Myrtle Beach and freshman catcher-infielder Meghan Heiser of Sacramento, Calif.

Knox, 5-9, is transferring from USC Salkehatchie, where she played two seasons for coach Mitch Smith.

This past spring, she posted a 13-11 pitching mark with a 1.74 earned run average as she helped the Lady Indians to their first-ever winning season (23-21). She struck out 111 batters in 153.1 innings. At the plate, she batted .392 with 24 runs scored, 15 doubles, one home run, 34 runs batted in, and a .455 on-base percentage.

Knox leaves as the school’s all-time leader in strikeouts and wins, and during the 2009 campaign she tossed the first no-hitter in the program’s history. She was recently named to the 2009 ESPN The Magazine® Academic All-District III (College Division) women's softball team (second team), and was both an All-Region X selection and a Region X All-Tournament Team pick in 2008. She was named the school’s Female Athlete of the Year for 2007-08.

Off the field, she served in student government as vice president this past year.

Knox is also a product of Socastee High School, where she was a two-time All-State selection and holds the school’s career home run record.

Heiser, 5-9, is a product of St. Francis College Prep High School, where she played under the direction of coach Al LoGiudice.

This season she batted .222 with three doubles, two homers, 17 RBIs, and a .300 on-base percentage. Playing behind the plate and in the infield, she posted a .987 fielding percentage with only two errors and five passed balls in 25 contests. She was named to participate in the 2009 Optimist All-Star Game after helping lead St. Francis to a 14-11 record.

As a junior, she batted .391 with two home runs and eight RBIs and was named All-League, while also receiving an All-League Sportsmanship Award.

She also played summer ball for the Capital City Comets Gold Team.

“Cea brings a great attitude to the program, and she wants to learn and be a part of a winning tradition,” said Vallee. “She is coming from a junior college, so she has the experience that we are always looking for. She is going to be a true utility player for us, pushing for time on the mound, at first, and in the outfield. As with most of our pitchers, Cea can hit for herself and brings some great statistics with her as well.”

“Meghan will also be a great addition to our program,” Vallee said. “She is a young lady that is driven to succeed and wants to learn more. That is the type of player we like to have at FMU. Meghan will also be bringing with her strong hitting credentials which will help us perform on the offensive side of the game. She will be working behind the plate and at first base for us.”

Knox and Heiser join six players who signed during the early signing period: infielder Tristan Faile of Lancaster, S.C., catcher-outfielder Olivia Ferguson of Roanoke, Va., catcher-first baseman Annie Hegar of Jefferson, N.C., left-handed pitcher Murphy McConnell of Milton, Ga., utility player Jamie Ross of Cape Coral, Fla., and right-handed pitcher Brittany Scoggins of Boiling Springs, S.C.

Francis Marion finished the 2009 season with a 32-19 record, and narrowly missed earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

FMU’s Bendle earns All-District Academic Softball Honors

Francis Marion University senior centerfielder Lakyn Bendle has been selected to the 2009 ESPN The Magazine® Academic All-District III (College Division) women's softball team.

This awards program is conducted by the College Sports Information Directors of America, and District III includes Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and North and South Carolina.

Bendle, a native of Amsterdam, Ohio, was named to the 13-player second-team All-District squad.
Bendle earned a B.S. degree in psychology at the recent FMU spring commencement ceremony. She concluded her undergraduate work with a 3.87 grade point average and graduated magna cum laude.
In addition to playing softball, Bendle is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Psi Chi, and Chi Alpha Sigma honor societies. She was a three-time NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete (with this year’s award yet to be handed out), and she earned the Psychology Award at FMU’s recent Academic Awards Day ceremony. She was named to the Peach Belt Conference Presidential Honor Roll three times and the FMU Swamp Fox Athletic-Academic Honor Roll four times, and earned a Division II ADA Academic Achievement Award for 2007-08.

A four-year starter, she was named to the recent first-team PBC All-Academic Softball Team.
On the playing field this past spring, she batted .255 with 24 runs scored, two home runs, and 17 runs batted in. Batting in the No. 2 position in the Patriot lineup, she was among the national leaders in sacrifice bunts with 24, while leading FMU with nine stolen bases (in nine attempts).
One of the best defensive outfielders in the Peach Belt, she committed only one error in 49 fielding chances.

She ended her career as the PBC’s all-time leader in sacrifices with 62.
Bendle is a product of Edison High School where she was a two-time All-Ohio (Division II), OVAC Player of the Year, and All-Eastern District selection.

Wolf named to second All-Region softball squad

Francis Marion University junior left-handed softball pitcher Michaela Wolf has been named to a second All-Region squad, this time to the second-team Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-Southeast Region team. She was selected in the utility player/pitcher spot.

Earlier, the Littleton, Colo., native was selected to the Daktronics Inc. All-Region squad.
Wolf recorded a 20-11 record with a 1.58 earned run average. She completed 25 of her 29 starts and struck out 172 batters in 204.1 innings of work. She walked only 35 batters and opponents hit just .224 against her.

At the plate this season, she hit .323 with 15 runs scored, five doubles, four home runs, and 27 runs batted in – the second highest total on the squad. She also owned a .408 on-base percentage.
Wolf is the only Patriot hurler in the history of the program to win 20 games more than once in a career -- after winning 29 games last year and 21 games as a freshman. She owns a 70-34 career mark with 583 strikeouts in 700.1 career innings.

She helped lead Francis Marion to a 32-19 record in 2009, but the Patriots narrowly missed earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

Wolf named to All-Region softball squad

FLORENCE, S.C. – Francis Marion University junior left-handed pitcher Michaela Wolf has been selected to the second-team Daktronics Inc. All-Southeast Region softball team.

Wolf, a native of Littleton, Colo., compiled a 20-11 pitching record and a 1.58 earned run average. She completed 25 of her 29 starts and struck out 172 batters in 204.1 innings of work. She walked only 35 batters and opponents hit just .224 against her.

She is the only Patriot hurler in the history of the program to win 20 games more than once in a career -- after winning 29 games last year and 21 games as a freshman.

At the plate this season, Wolf hit .323 with 15 runs scored, five doubles, four home runs, and 27 runs batted in – the second highest total on the squad. She also owned a .408 on-base percentage.
Wolf was earlier named to the Peach Belt Conference All-Conference Team.

She helped lead Francis Marion to a 32-19 record, but the Patriots narrowly missed earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

Patriots lead PBC All-Academic Softball Team

FLORENCE, S.C. – Five members of the Francis Marion University softball team were among 19 players recently named to the 2009 Peach Belt Conference Softball All-Academic Team.
The Patriots honored were senior first baseman Tamela Bell, senior centerfielder Lakyn Bendle, junior left-handed pitcher Michaela Wolf, junior leftfielder Jessica Birchmeier, and junior third baseman Kat Beauvais.
The team is part of a new season-long program recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of PBC student-athletes in the classroom as well as on the field. To be eligible for the All-Academic team, a student-athlete must participate in at least half of her team’s events and be either a starter or significant contributor; have achieved a 3.20 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale), and completed at least one full academic year at her current institution.
Both Wolf and Birchmeier earlier garnered All-Conference recognition for their play on the field.
Francis Marion posted a 32-19 record this past season and just missed earning a bid to the NCAA national tournament.
Bell, a native of Covington, Ga., has a 3.83 GPA as an elementary education major. This past year, she batted .291 with four homers and 16 runs batted in.
Bendle, a native of Amsterdam, Ohio, is a psychology major and owns a 3.89 GPA. One of the best defensive centerfielders in the conference, she batted .255 last season with two homers and 17 RBIs, while also setting the conference career record for sacrifice bunts (62).
Wolf, a native of Littleton, Colo., has a 3.57 GPA as a mass communications major. She posted a 20-11 pitching record with a 1.58 earned run average this spring. She is the only Patriot hurler in the history of the program to win 20 games more than once in a career -- after winning 29 games in 2008 and 21 games as a freshman. At the plate, Wolf hit .323 with five doubles, four home runs, and 27 RBIs – the second highest total on the squad.
Birchmeier, a native of Port Richey, Fla., is an accounting major and has compiled a 3.57 GPA. Last season, she batted .324 with 23 runs scored, 10 doubles, one home run, and 20 RBIs. She was first among the Patriot regulars with a .415 on-base percentage and 13 multi-hit games.
Beauvais, a native of Manassas, Va., has a 3.52 GPA as a management major. Despite missing 16 games with a broken bone in her glove hand, she batted .311 and drove in 10 runs during the 2009 campaign.


Peach Belt Conference 2009 All-Academic Softball Team
First Team
Player School Yr. Hometown GPA Major
Tamela Bell Francis Marion Sr. Covington, GA 3.83 Elementary Education
Lakyn Bendle Francis Marion Sr. Amsterdam, OH 3.89 Psychology
Mandy Chandler GCSU Sr. Covington, GA 3.52 Marketing
Kaelin Farrington North Georgia Sr. Watkinsville, GA 3.90 Middle Grades Ed.
Megan Lakes USC Aiken Sr. Columbia, SC 3.80 Elementary Education
Sarah Moore Columbus St. Sr. Smiths, AL 3.72 Biology
Jessica Skeels North Georgia Jr. Lawrenceville, GA 3.96 Middle Grades Ed.
Jessica Strong Armstrong Atl. St. Sr. Fountain Valley, CA 3.97 Mathematics
Lindsey Swanson GCSU Sr. Kennesaw, GA 3.97 Psychology
Michaela Wolf Francis Marion Jr. Littleton, CO 3.57 Mass Communications

Second Team
Kat Beauvais Francis Marion Jr. Manassas, VA 3.52 Management
Jessica Birchmeier Francis Marion Jr. Port Richey, FL 3.57 Accounting
Carrie Jones Columbus St. So. Midland, GA 3.92 Exercise Science
Kasey Knight North Georgia So. Watkinsville, GA 3.27 Exercise Science
Kori Pickowitz GCSU Sr. Keller, TX 3.72 Health Education
Trisha Snider North Georgia Jr. Highland, MD 3.27 Criminal Justice
Kim Stercay North Georgia So. Lilburn, GA 3.28 Art Marketing
Daisy Stewart Lander Jr. Roswell, GA 3.38 Nursing
Amanda Wheeless Columbus St. So. Woodstock, GA 3.80 Exercise Science

Four Patriots selected to All-PBC Softball Team

FLORENCE, S.C. – Four members of the Francis Marion University softball team were recently named to the 2009 Peach Belt Conference All-Conference Team.

Senior designated player and utility player Laura Hauff was named to the first team, while junior left-handed pitcher Michaela Wolf, junior left fielder Jessica Birchmeier, and freshman right-handed pitcher Lauren Bubeck were selected to the second team. This is the second straight season Wolf and Birchmeier have earned All-PBC recognition.

The group has helped Francis Marion to a 32-19 record. The Patriots are awaiting the announcement of this week’s NCAA Division II National Tournament field to see if they will receive an at-large invitation.

Hauff, a native of Columbia, is batting .333 with seven runs batted in and a .353 on-base percentage.

Wolf, a native of Littleton, Colo., owns a 20-11 pitching record and a 1.58 earned run average. She has completed 25 of her 29 starts and struck out 172 batters in 204.1 innings of work. She is the only Patriot hurler in the history of the program to win 20 games more than once in a career -- after winning 29 games last year and 21 games as a freshman. She has walked only 35 batters and opponents are hitting just .224 against her.

At the plate, Wolf is hitting .323 with five doubles, four home runs, and 27 runs batted in – the second highest total on the squad.

Birchmeier, a native of Port Richey, Fla., is batting .324 with 23 runs scored, 10 doubles, one home run, and 20 RBIs. She is first among the Patriot regulars with a .415 on-base percentage and 13 multi-hit games.

Bubeck, a native of Tequesta, Fla., has a 9-7 pitching mark with a 2.19 ERA. She has appeared in 22 games, with 10 complete games, two shutouts, and 45 strikeouts against only 18 walks in 108.2 innings.

Hauff was a first-team All-Region performer and five-year letterwinner at Spring Valley High School, while Wolf is a former two-time All-Conference performer at Columbine High School. Birchmeier was the Suncoast Athletic Conference Player of the Year as a senior at Ridgewood High School, while Bubeck was a four-time All-Conference pick at South Fork High School.
This marks the second straight year, FMU has placed four members on the All-PBC Team.

Catlett Named Heritage Community Financial Services Athlete of the Month

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
4/21/2009

Hartsville, S.C. - The Heritage Community Financial Services Athlete of the Month for April 2009, is Cobra Women's Softball player, Shelly Catlett (Orangeburg, SC).

Catlett led the Coker Softball team on a postseason run at the Conference Carolinas softball championship. Catlett and the #8 seed Lady Cobras played eight games in three days, going 6-2 and advancing all the way to the championship game against the #4 seed Queens University, where they lost 4-3 in the final inning, placing second in the tournament. Even though they lost, Catlett had an outstanding tournament, throwing 42 2/3 innings, striking out 49 batters, while having a 1.48 ERA. She was named to the All-Tournament Team and for her second straight year was named First Team All-Conference.

Patriots knocked from PBC Tournament just shy of title game

FLORENCE, SC - Junior right-hander Toni Flessate tossed a five-hitter and drove in a pair of runs to carry third-seeded and 18th-ranked USC Aiken to a 3-1 win over seventh-seeded Francis Marion University, Sunday (April 19) in the final game of the losers’ bracket at the 2009 Peach Belt Conference Softball Tournament.

Francis Marion falls to 32-19 with an outside shot at receiving an invitation to the NCAA Division II national tournament. USCA (34-13) swept four games from the Patriots this season and advances to face top-seeded and second-ranked North Georgia College & State College in the championship game later Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

The Patriots only got two runners to second through the first six meetings. Trailing 3-0 in the top of the seventh, FMU scratched across one run. Ashley Jaramillo and pinch hitter Katie Campbell singled and moved up to second and third on a ground out. Shannan Tyson’s two-out grounder to shortstop was booted allowing one run to score, however Flessate induced Lakyn Bendle to ground out to end the game.

Pacer shortstop Lauren Locklear led off the third inning with a solo home run. Following a hit batter, an FMU error, and a sacrifice bunt, Flessate laced a two-run single to left upping the USCA lead to 3-0.

FMU junior southpaw Michaela Wolf (20-11) allowed seven hits and two earned runs, while striking out four and walking no one. Flessate fanned three and also issued no walks.

Tamela Bell, Kayla Ruede, Kat Beauvais, Jaramillo and Campbell accounted for the five Francis Marion hits.

Locklear ended the day 3-for-4, while Flessate was 2-for-3.

This marks the second straight year, Francis Marion came within one game of the tournament title contest.

Patriots just "stayin' alive" at PBC Softball Tournament; Rally for two BIG wins

FLORENCE, SC - Junior left-hander Michael Wolf pitched a pair of five-hit complete games and the Francis Marion University offense awoke from an eight-inning drought to capture two wins and stay alive at the 2009 Peach Belt Conference Softball Tournament on Saturday (April 18).

Seventh-seeded Francis Marion twice staved off elimination with a 6-2 win over fourth-seeded Armstrong Atlantic State University and a 3-1 victory over fifth-seeded Augusta State University.

Earlier in the day, senior catcher Jessica Strickland laced an 0-2 pitch into right center field to score Kellie Hair from second base and give third-seeded and 18th-ranked USC Aiken to a 2-1 win over FMU in a winners’ bracket game.

Francis Marion improves to 32-18 and will face USCA at noon in the championship contest of the losers’ bracket. The winner of that game will face top-seeded and second-ranked North Georgia College & State College in the championship game at 2:30 p.m.

Against ASU, Wolf (20-10) allowed only a first-inning RBI single to Kacee Camp before silencing the Jaguars on only three hits over the final six frames. She becomes the only FMU hurler to ever post three 20-win seasons.

FMU took the lead in the second when Tamela Bell scored on a wild pitch and Kat Beauvais delivered an RBI single in her first at bat after returning from a broken bone in her left hand that had kept her only playing the field for the past month. FMU and Wolf avoided trouble in the third frame with a shortstop to catcher to third base inning-ending double play.

Senior centerfielder Lakyn Bendle provided an insurance run in the fifth with an RBI triple that scored Stevie Arrand.

In the win over AASU, Ashley Bain hit a solo homer in the second inning to put the Pirates on top 1-0. Bell tied the score with a solo homer in the fourth. Wolf put the Patriots ahead with her own solo shot in the fifth, and senior catcher Kayla Ruede hit a grand slam later in the frame to put FMU up 6-1.

In the loss to USCA, FMU’s second batter in the top of the first was Bendle and she hit a solo homer over the left center field fence for a 1-0 Patriot advantage. Later in the inning, FMU would leave runners at first and third base. Francis Marion would not get a runner past first base after the first frame.

USCA junior righty Toni Flessate (17-5) limited the Patriots to only four hits, while striking out three and walking no one. Wolf allowed seven hits, struck out nine, and issued no walks.

The Pacers tied the game in the bottom of the first inning on an RBI single up the middle by Strickland. The game would remain knotted until Strickland’s hit in the last inning.

Francis Marion goes 2-0 at PBC Softball Tournament

FLORENCE, SC - Freshman second baseman Ashley Jaramillo doubled home pinch runner Maria Goode in the sixth inning to lift seventh-seeded Francis Marion University to a 2-1 upset of second-seeded Georgia College & State University, Friday afternoon (April 17) at the 2009 Peach Belt Conference Softball Tournament.

Earlier in the day, junior left-hander Michael Wolf and freshman righty Lauren Bubeck combined on a three-hitter as FMU blanked 10th-seeded Lander University 6-0 in an opening-round game.

With the two wins, Francis Marion improves to 30-17 and advances to winners’ bracket play on Saturday against third-seeded USC Aiken at 11 a.m. GCSU drops to 30-21 and falls into Saturday’s losers’ bracket, to play at 1:30 p.m.

Against GCSU, Wolf allowed only a first-inning home run to PBC Player of the Year Sherquita Bostick. Wolf allowed only five hits, walked no one, and struck out five to improve her pitching mark to 18-9.

Senior righty Mandy Chandler (25-12) took the loss, although she allowed only five hits and moved into sixth place on the all-time NCAA Division II strikeout list with 1,174.

FMU tied the game at 1-1 in the fourth inning when senior catcher Kayla Ruede walked with the bases loaded to force in a run. However, Chandler retired Stevie Arrand on a ground out to strand three runners.

In the top of the sixth, Jessica Birchmeier walked to lead off the frame and Goode was inserted as a pinch runner. Chandler fanned Tamela Bell, but Goode advanced to second on a wild pitch. Jaramillo then doubled into the left field gap and the ball rolled all the way to the fence scoring Goode with ease.

In the bottom of the seventh, Wolf hit the leadoff batter on an 0-2 pitch, but retired the next two batters on strikeouts. Pinch hitter Haley Burnett reached on a two-out fielding error by Wolf to put runners on first and second with two outs. Wolf then induced Allison Schwimer to ground out to Jaramillo between first and second base to end the game.

Jaramillo was 2-for-4 at the plate to lead Francis Marion, while Lindsey Swanson and Bostick both had two hits apiece for the Lady Bobcats.

In the opening-round win over Lander, Wolf pitched six scoreless innings, allowing only two hits while striking out four. She did hit three Lady Bobcat batters in the first three innings. Bubeck pitched a scoreless seventh inning.

Freshman right-hander Hayley Leissner (8-22) took the loss despite setting a new season-single season strikeout mark for Lander with 183.

Lander left the bases loaded in the second and third innings and stranded two runners in the fourth.

Francis Marion took a 1-0 lead in the fourth when Birchmeier led off with a double, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Bell, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jaramillo.

The Patriots plated two runs in the fifth on a two-run single up the middle by senior center fielder Lakyn Bendle. In the sixth, the advantage moved to 6-0 on an RBI double by Arrand and a two-run single by Shannan Tyson.

Jaramillo and senior designated player Laura Hauff both had two hits for FMU.

Carrie Hudson, Lindsey Sammons, and Daisy Stewart had the three hits for Lander.


2009 Peach Belt Softball Championship Schedule of Events

Friday, April 17, 2009
#9 Georgia Southwestern def. #8 UNC Pembroke 2-0 in 12 inn.
#7 Francis Marion def. #10 Lander 6-0
#5 Augusta State def. #4 Armstrong Atlantic State 2-1 in 9 innings
#3 USC Aiken def. #6 Columbus State 2-0
#7 Francis Marion def. #2 Georgia College & State 2-1
#1 North Georgia def. #9 Georgia Southwestern 9-0
#4 Armstrong Atlantic State def. #8 UNC Pembroke 12-4
#10 Lander def. #6 Columbus State 5-3

Saturday, April 18, 2009
Game 9: 11:00 AM #1 North Georgia vs. #5 Augusta State
Game 10: 11:00 AM #3 USC Aiken vs. #7 Francis Marion
Game 11: 1:30 PM #4 Armstrong Atlantic State vs. #9 Georgia Southwestern
Game 12: 1:30 PM #10 Lander vs. #2 Georgia College & State
Game 13: 4:00 PM Game 9 Winner vs. Game 10 Winner
Game 14: 4:00 PM Game 11 Winner vs. Game 10 Loser
Game 15: 4:00 PM Game 12 Winner vs. Game 9 Loser
Game 16: 6:30 PM Game 14 Winner vs. Game 15 Winner

Sunday, April 19, 2009
Game 17: 12:00 PM Game 16 Winner vs. Game 13 Loser
Game 18: 2:30 PM Game 13 Winner vs. Game 17 Winner
Game 19: 5:00 PM (If necessary)

Queens Wins Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament

y Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
4/19/2009

Hartsville, S.C. - In the bottom of the seventh inning trailing by a run, the #4 seed Queens scored two runs on two hits and a Coker error. A Keeya Turner single brought home Brittany Stephens for the tying run and then it was Mary Lee Giurintano's single to right that gave the Royals the 2009 Championship.

Chantel Dodge got the win in relief, tossing 3 2/3 innings, allowing just one run on two hits with three strikeouts, Shelly Catlett took the loss going 6 1/3 innings allowing four runs on eight hits with three strikeouts.

Kari Kmetic was 3-for-3 with two home runs, two RBIs and two runs scored, while Turner was also 3-for-3 with an rBI and GIurintano was 1-for-4 with the game winning RBI. Coker's Haleigh Rogers was 2-for-4 with a home runa dn two RBIs, with Anna Oswald, also going 2-for-4.

Queens will now advance to the 2009 NCAA Southeast Regional Softball Tournament to be held in May.

2009 Conference Carolinas Softball All-Tournament Team
Kari Kmetic- Queens- Tournament MVP
Keeya Turner- Queens
Chantel Dodge- Queens
Mary Lee Giurintano- Queens
Shelly Catlett- Coker
Miranda Klees- Coker
Whitney Wallett- Coker
Jenny Jackson- Mount Olive
Allison Czerski- Mount Olive
Jasmine Dobbin- St. Andrews
Megan Riggs- St. Andrews
Stephanie Bethea- Pfeiffer
Dani Beres- Belmont Abbey

2009 Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament- Schedule Day 3
April 17-19

Game 18- Box Score
#8 Coker- 13
#6 St. Andrews- 7
*St. Andrews eliminated

The #8 seed Coker scored runs in five of seven innings to knockoff the #6 seed St. Andrews 13-7, allowing the Lady Cobras to advance to face #2 Mount Olive College.

Coker's Sydney Greenwalt picked up the win in relief, allowing three runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings, while Sarah Applegarth took the loss, allowing eight runs on 12 hits with five strikeouts in five innings of work.

Allie Bragg had a perfect game going 4-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs, while Miranda Klees, Anna Oswald and Whitney Wallett all had three hits, with Klees driving in two. Shannon Mitchell had a home run and two RBIs and Brittany Owens had two hits and two RBIs. For the Knights, Megan Riggs was 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, while Lex Cowger and Danyell Marquez each drove in a pair of runs.

Coker advances to face the #2 seed Mount Olive at noon, with the winner advancing to face the #4 seed Queens in the championship game. St. Andrews season comes to an end with the loss.

Game 19- Box Score
#8 Coker- 3
#2 Mount Olive- 1
*Mount Olive Eliminated

Shelly Catlett held the #2 seed Mount Olive to just one run on three hits as she led the #8 seed Coker Cobras into the championship game fo the 2009 Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament with a 3-1 win.

Catlett tossed a complete game with six strikeouts, with her counterpart, Jenny Jackson also going the full seven innings, allowing three runs on nine hits with three strikeouts.

Brittany Owens, Haleigh Rogers and Miranda Klees drove in one of the Lady Cobras runs each, with Owens' coming of a solo homer. Mount Olive's Morgan Whaley was 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.

Coker advances to the championship game where they will face the #4 seed Queens, while Mount Olive's season comes to an end.

Game 20- Championship Game 1- Box Score
#8 Coker- 2
#4 Queens- 0
* Both teams with one loss

A two run home run with two outs in the sixth inning proved to be all the offense the #8 seed Coker would need to take a 2-0 win for the undefeated #4 seed Queens, forcing a final championship game. Whitney Wallett belted the Chantel Dodge pitch to deep center to give the Lady Cobras the win.

Shelly Catlett had another spectacular seven inning performance for Coker, throwing a shutout, allowing just four hits, while striking out seven. Dodge was equally as good, allowing just two runs on nine hits with nine strikeouts.

Along with Wallett's homer, Coker was led by Miranda Klees 3-for-4 game and Haleigh Rogers 2-for-3 game. Kari Kmetic, Megan Campbell, Brittany Stephens and Keeya Turner each had a hit for Queens.

The Coker win forces a second championship game, with each team having one loss in the double elimination tournament.

Game 21 - Championship Final- Box Score
#8 Coker- 3
#4 Queens- 4
*Queens is 2009 Conference Carolinas Tournament Champs!

In the bottom of the seventh inning trailing by a run, the #4 seed Queens scored two runs on two hits and a Coker error. A Keeya Turner single brought home Brittany Stephens for the tying run and then it was Mary Lee Giurintano's single to right that gave the Royals the 2009 Championship.

Chantel Dodge got the win in relief, tossing 3 2/3 innings, allowing just one run on two hits with three strikeouts, Shelly Catlett took the loss going 6 1/3 innings allowing four runs on eight hits with three strikeouts.

Kari Kmetic was 3-for-3 with two home runs, two RBIs and two runs scored, while Turner was also 3-for-3 with an rBI and GIurintano was 1-for-4 with the game winning RBI. Coker's Haleigh Rogers was 2-for-4 with a home runa dn two RBIs, with Anna Oswald, also going 2-for-4.

Queens will now advance to the 2009 NCAA Southeast Regional Softball Tournament to be held in May.

Final Day Results of Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
4/19/2009

2009 Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament- Schedule Day 3
April 17-19

Game 18- Box Score
#8 Coker- 13
#6 St. Andrews- 7
*St. Andrews eliminated

The #8 seed Coker scored runs in five of seven innings to knockoff the #6 seed St. Andrews 13-7, allowing the Lady Cobras to advance to face #2 Mount Olive College.

Coker's Sydney Greenwalt picked up the win in relief, allowing three runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings, while Sarah Applegarth took the loss, allowing eight runs on 12 hits with five strikeouts in five innings of work.

Allie Bragg had a perfect game going 4-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs, while Miranda Klees, Anna Oswald and Whitney Wallett all had three hits, with Klees driving in two. Shannon Mitchell had a home run and two RBIs and Brittany Owens had two hits and two RBIs. For the Knights, Megan Riggs was 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, while Lex Cowger and Danyell Marquez each drove in a pair of runs.

Coker advances to face the #2 seed Mount Olive at noon, with the winner advancing to face the #4 seed Queens in the championship game. St. Andrews season comes to an end with the loss.

Game 19- Box Score
#8 Coker- 3
#2 Mount Olive- 1
*Mount Olive Eliminated

Shelly Catlett held the #2 seed Mount Olive to just one run on three hits as she led the #8 seed Coker Cobras into the championship game fo the 2009 Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament with a 3-1 win.

Catlett tossed a complete game with six strikeouts, with her counterpart, Jenny Jackson also going the full seven innings, allowing three runs on nine hits with three strikeouts.

Brittany Owens, Haleigh Rogers and Miranda Klees drove in one of the Lady Cobras runs each, with Owens' coming of a solo homer. Mount Olive's Morgan Whaley was 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.

Coker advances to the championship game where they will face the #4 seed Queens, while Mount Olive's season comes to an end.

Game 20- Championship Game
#8 Coker
#4 Queens

Game 21 (if needed)

Day Two Results of Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
4/18/2009

2009 Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament- Schedule Day 2
April 17-19

Game 8- Box Score
#6 St. Andrews- 10
#1 Limestone- 2
*Limestone eliminated

The # 6 seed St. Andrews scored 10 runs on 13 hits, to defeat the #1 seed Limestone 10-2, making the regular season conference champion Lady Saints the first team eliminated from the 2009 Conference Carolinas softball tournament.

Ashley Disque held Limestone to just two runs on eight hits in six innings of work to earn the win, while Emily Wallace took the loss, allowing six runs on seven hits in four innings.

Lex Cowger and Kailee Munden each had two hits with three RBIs to lead the Knights, while Sarah Applegarth and Danuell Marquez each had two hits with two RBIs, with Marquez belting a home run. Also collecting two hits were Jasmine Dobbin and Megan Riggs.

For Limestone, Jenna Guse was 2-for-3, while Jordan Smith was 1-for-3 with a home run, an RBI and a run scored.

St. Andrews advances to face the winner of game 9 (Erskine/Anderson) at 11:30 a.m., while Limestone is eliminated.

Game 9- Box Score
#10 Anderson- 10
#5 Erskine- 2
* Erskine eliminated

Donya Cobb held the #5 seed Erskine College to just three hits, allowing only two runs as the #10 seed Anderson University set the Flying Fleet home with a 10-2 win on Saturday morning.

Leading the Lady Trojans was Meredith Knox, going 3-for-4 with a home run , a double, four RBIs and three runs scored, with Casey King going 2-for-4 with two doubles and two runs scored.

Courtney Davis had a home run for the Flying Fleet.

Anderson advances to play St. Andrews in an elimination game at 11:30 a.m., while Erskine is eliminated from the tournament.

Game 10
#8 Barton- 0
#7 Lees-McRae- 6
*Barton Eliminated

Amanda Dodson threw a complete game shutout to lead the #7 seed Lees-McRae to a 6-0 victory over #8 seed Barton. Dodson allowed just six hits while striking out six in the win.

Helping her own cause, Dodson was 1-for-4 with a home run, while Paula Fryar went 2-for-3 and Anna Carter, Ashley Benfield, Morgan West and Meagan Knowles were all 1-for-3.

Lees-McRae advances to face #11 seed Belmont Abbey in an elimination game at 2:00 p.m., while Barton's season comes to an end.

Game 11- Box Score
#10 Anderson- 9
#6 St. Andrews- 13
*Anderson Eliminated

The #6 seed St. Andrews rallied for 13 runs in the final three innings to defeat the #10 seed Anderson 13-9. With an eight run fourth inning, the Knights took a one run lead and never looked back.

Sarah Applegarth earned the win, tossing 6 1/3 innings in relief, allowing five runs on eight hits, while striking out five, while Anderson's Katie Van Gieson took the loss, allowing five runs on four hits in just 1/3 of inning on the mound.

Jasmine Dobbin led the Knights attack with a 3-for-4 performance including three RBIS, two runs scored and a triple. Danyell Marquez was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs and Morgan Farroll was 1-for-3 with two RBIs. Kayla Williams and Elisa Sebastyan each had three hits to lead the Trojans, with Williams hitting homer and driving in three and Sebastyan driving in four.

St. Andrews advances on to face to loser of game 14 (Mount Olive/Pfeiffer) at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, while Anderson's season comes to an end.

Game 12
#11 Belmont Abbey- 3
#7 Lees-McRae- 1
*Lees-McRae eliminated

The #11 seed Belmont Abbey continued their Cinderella run as they defeated the #6 seed Lees-McRae 3-1 in nine innings. The Abbey scored the game tying run in the top of the seventh and then plated two runs in the top of the ninth to eliminate Lees-McRae.

Danielle Puckett earned the win, tossing six scoreless innings, while striking out five, while Amadnad Dodson took the loss, allowing two runs in two innings of relief for the Bobcats.

Katie Hobbs and Puckett were each 3-for-4, with Hobbs driving in a run for the Crusaders.

Belmont Abbey advances to play the #8 seed Coker in an elimination game at 4:30 p.m., while Lees-McRae is eliminated from the tournament.

Game 13- Box Score
#4 Queens- 1
#8 Coker- 0

Chantel Dodge did it all as she led the #4 seed Queens University to 1-0 win over #8 seed Coker College. Dodge had the game winning RBI single in the bottom of the seventh, while also holding the Lady Cobras to just one hit as the winning pitcher.

Dodge threw a complete game shutout with eight strikeouts in the win, while her counterpart, Shelly Catlett, took the loss, allowing just one run on five hits with six strikeouts.

Audra Littlejohn had two hits, for the Royals, with Amanda Bowman, Kari Kmetic and Dodge each getting a hit. Coker's lone hit came off the bat of Shannon Mitchell.

Queens advances to play the winner of game 14 (Mount Olive/Pfeiffer) at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, while Coker will play the winner of game 12 (Lees-McRae/Belmont Abbey) in an elimination game at 4:30 p.m.

Game 14- Box Score
#2 Mount Olive- 3
#3 Pfeiffer- 2

The #2 seed Mount Olive narrowly defeated the #3 seed Pfeiffer 3-2 thanks to a two run home run in the fifth inning by Jenny Jackson. Mount Olive took an early 1-0 lead in the first, only to have Pfeiffer take a 2-1 lead in the third, but Jackson's two run homer gave the Trojans the eventual win.

Sasha Snyder earned the win, throwing 3 1/3 innings of scoreless softball, allowing just two hits, while Allison Braswell took the loss, allowing three runs on five hits with four strikeouts.

Jackson led the Trojan hitters going 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBIs and a run scored, with Kat Cahoon, Morgan Whaley and Allison Czerski each collecting a hit. Pfeiffer was led by Martina Bullard going 2-for-3, while Heather Nobles was 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI.

Mount Olive advanced to play Queens at 7:00 p.m., while Pfeiffer plays St. Andrews in an elimination game at the same time.

Game 15- Box Score
#8 Coker- 8
#11 Belmont Abbey- 2
*Belmont Abbey eliminated

The Cinderella story for the #11 seed Belmont Abbey came to an end as they fell to the #8 seed Coker 8-2. The Lady Cobras used 12 hits to score eight runs, while Sydney Greenwalt, held the Crusaders offense to just three runs over seven innings with three strikeouts. Kayla Short took the loss, allowing five runs on five hits in 1 1/3 innings of work.

Miranda Klees and Haleigh Rogers led the Lady Cobras at the plate, with each having two hits and two RBIs, including a double for each and a home run for Klees. Anna Oswald also had two hits with a double and an RBI, with Allie Bragg and Shannon Mitchell each getting two hits. For the Abbey, Tara Ruebel and Alysia Stewart each had two hits, with Katie Hobbs driving in a run.

Coker advances to play the winner of game 16 (St. Andrews/Pfeiffer) at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, while Belmont Abbey is eliminated from the tournament.

Game 16- Box Score
#3 Pfeiffer- 5
#6 St. Andrews- 6
*Pfeiffer eliminated

For the second time in a day the #6 seed St. Andrews made a come from behind victory, defeating the #3 seed Pfeiffer 6-5. The Knights scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning on two hits including a big two-run double by Danielle Marquez..Pfeiffer rallied for a run in the bottom half of the inning and had runs on first and third with two outs, but Sarah Applegarth was able to secure the final out and the victory.

Applegarth earned the win, throwing a complete game, allowing five runs on nine hits, while Amanda Beck took the loss, allowing four runs on four hits in 4 2/3 innings.

Marquez was 3-for-4 with home run a double and four RBIs, while Applegarth was 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. For Pfeiffer, Bryttny Kreshka was 2-for-2 with a home run, a double and an RBI, while Beck had a home run and an RBI.

St. Andrews advances to face the #8 seed Coker at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, while Pfeiffer is eliminated from the tournament.

Game 17- Box Score
#4 Queens- 5
#2 Mount Olive- 0
*Queens advances to Championship Game

The # 2 seed Mount Olive fell to the #4 seed Queens 5-0 in the winner's bracket final of the 2009 Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament Saturday evening. Sasha Snyder allowed only one run in six innings after Queens scored four runs in the first

Queen's Chantel Dodge struck out 14 Trojan hitters, while Kari Kmetic and Alisha Waldrop led the offense with a two-run home run each in the first inning and a solo shot by Kmetic.

Mount Olive plays Sunday at 11:30 a.m. against either the winner of game 18 (St. Andrews/Coker), while Queens advances to the championship game at 1:30 p.m.

Day One Results of Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
4/17/2009

2009 Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament- Schedule Day 1
April 17-19

Game 1- Fri. 10am- Field 2- Box Score
#9 Barton- 2
#8 Coker- 4

The #8 seed Coker College took the first game of the Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament, with a 4-2 win over #9 seed Barton College. Coker's Sydney Greenwalt (5-4) earned the win, even after allowing two runs in the first three innings, but Shelly Catlett's eight strikeouts in relief shut down the Barton offense. Barton's Claire Severt (5-9) took the loss, allowing three runs on eight hits in four innings.

At the plate, Julia Nelson-Abbott had a pair of big hits, including an RBI double and an RBI single, while Anna Oswald was 3-for-4 and Haleigh Rogers was 2-for-4. Whitney Wallett and Becky Dillon drove in each of Coker's two other runs. Barton was led by Natalie Phipps going 2-for-2, with Amber Fletcher going 1-for-3 with an RBI.

Coker advances to play #1 seed Limestone College at 2:00 p.m., while Barton drops to the elimination bracket and will face the loser of game 4 (Erskine/Queens) at 9:00 a.m. Saturday.

Game 2- Fri. 10am- Field 4- Box Score
#10 Anderson- 1
#7 Lees-McRae- 9

The #7 seed Lees-McRae used seven hits to score nine runs and take a 9-1 win over #10 seed Anderson University. Amanda Dodson and Paula Fryer were the driving forces behind the Bobcat victory. Dodson was the winning pitcher, allowing just one run in six innings of work with five strikeouts, while going 2-for-3 at the plate with a home run, helping Dodson along the way was Fryer, going 2-for-4 with a three run home run to break the game open in the third inning.

For Anderson, Alex Waldroup took the loss, allowing nine runs, only two earned, on seven hits with four strikeouts. At the plate for the Lady Trojans, Amber Strickland was 1-for-2 with a run scored and Meredith Know was 1-for-3 with an RBI.

Lees-McRae advances to face #2 seed Mount Olive at 2:00 p.m., while Anderson will drop to the elimination bracket to face the loser of game 4 (Queens/Erskine) at 9:00 a.m. Saturday.

Game 3- Fri. 12pm- Field 2- Box Score
#11 Belmont Abbey- 9
#6 St. Andrews- 8

In the first upset of the tournament, the #11 seed Belmont Abbey came back from a 7-1 deficit in the final innings to defeat the #6 seed St. Andrews, 9-8. The Crusaders plated five runs on three hits and two big St. Andrews errors to bring home the win. Driving in the Crusaders winning runs was Dani Beres with a two out three run home run in the seventh.

Carrie Markham earned the win in relief for the Abbey, allowing just two runs on five hits in 2 2/3 innings of work, while Sarah Applegarth took the loss giving up nine runs on seven hits in seven innings.

Beres was the Crusaders leading hitter, going 1-for-4 with three RBIs, while Danielle Puckett was 1-for-3 with two RBIs and Tara Rubel had a solo homer. For the Knights, Applegarth helped her own cause, going 2-for-4 with a double and four RBIs, while Megan Riggs was 1-for-2 with a home run and RBIs, with Jasmine Dobin and Kailee Munden each collecting two hits.

The Abbey advances to face the #3 seed Pfeiffer at 4:00 p.m., while St. Andrews drops to the elimination bracket to face the loser of game 5 (Coker/Limestone) Saturday at 9:00 a.m.

Game 4- Fri. 12pm- Field 4- Box Score
#5 Erskine- 1
#4 Queens- 3

The #4 seed Queens University scored three runs in the first inning and that proved to be all the offense the Royals would need to win, as they defeated the #5 seed Erskine College 3-1.

Chantel Dodge was the winning pitcher, tossing a complete game, allowing just one run in the first inning, before settling in for a six inning shutout. Dodge struck out 16 batters, while allowing just two Fleet hits.

Katie Knapp and Courtney Davis had the Fleets only hits, with Knapp driving in and scoring the lone run thanks to a solo homer and Davis hitting a double. Queens was led by Mary-Lee Guirintano with a double for the Royals.

Queens advances to face the winner of game 5 (Coker/Limestone) at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, while Erskine moves to the elimination bracket to face Anderson at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday.

Game 5- Fri. 2pm- Field 2- Box Score
#8 Coker- 3
#1 Limestone- 2

Following Belmont Abbey's come from behind win over St. Andrews, the #8 seed Coker pulled the biggest upset of the day, as the Lady Cobras defeated the #1 seed Limestone College, 3-2 in nine innings.

Allie Bragg drove home the winning run for the Lady Cobras, driving home Brittany Owens, who led off the top of the ninth with a double to right. Coker then left the game in the hands of their pitcher, Shelly Catlett (13-9), who sat down the side in order including strikeout the final two Saints' batters. For the game Catlett allowed just two runs on six hits with 12 strikeouts, while Kristy Witten took the loss, allowing three runs on seven hits with eight strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings.

Bragg was 2-for-4 with a RBI, while Owens was also 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, with Whitney Wallett also going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. For the Saints, Jenna Guse was 3-for-4 with a run scored, with Christina Woolgar going 1-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.

Coker advances to face #4 seed Queens at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, while Limestone falls to the elimination bracket, where they will face #6 seed St. Andrews at 9:00 a.m. Saturday.

Day One Results of Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
4/17/2009

2009 Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament- Schedule Day 1
April 17-19

Game 1- Fri. 10am- Field 2
#9 Barton- 2
#8 Coker- 4

The #8 seed Coker College took the first game of the Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament, with a 4-2 win over #9 seed Barton College. Coker's Sydney Greenwalt (5-4) earned the win, even after allowing two runs in the first three innings, but Shelly Catlett's eight strikeouts in relief shut down the Barton offense. Barton's Claire Severt (5-9) took the loss, allowing three runs on eight hits in four innings.

At the plate, Julia Nelson-Abbott had a pair of big hits, including an RBI double and an RBI single, while Anna Oswald was 3-for-4 and Haleigh Rogers was 2-for-4. Whitney Wallett and Becky Dillon drove in each of Coker's two other runs. Barton was led by Natalie Phipps going 2-for-2, with Amber Fletcher going 1-for-3 with an RBI.

Coker advances to play #1 seed Limestone College at 2:00 p.m., while Barton drops to the elimination bracket and will face the loser of game 4 (Erskine/Queens) at 9:00 a.m. Saturday.

Game 2- Fri. 10am- Field 4
#10 Anderson- 1
#7 Lees-McRae- 9

Game 3- Fri. 12pm- Field 2
#11 Belmont Abbey-
#6 St. Andrews-

Game 4- Fri. 12pm- Field 4
#5 Erskine-
#4 Queens-

Game 5- Fri. 2pm- Field 2
#8 Coker-
#1 Limestone-

Game 6- Fri. 2pm- Field 4
#7 Lees-McRae-
#2 Mount Olive-

Game 7- Fri. 4pm- Field 2
Winner Gm 3-
#3 Pfeiffer-

Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament Gets Started with Banquet and Line Drive Contest

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
4/16/2009

Hartsville, S.C. - The 2009 Conference Carolinas softball tournament got under way on Thursday night with a few new additions to the traditional format. This year instead of the formal awards banquet, host Coker College brought all the players, coaches and fans together for a more informal cookout style banquet that included, a DJ, some line dancing, a little game play and of course the presentation of awards. But before any of that even started there was the first every Line Drive Contest.

Instead of a home run derby like their male counter parts, the women of Conference Carolinas Softball competed in a line drive contest. One contestant from each team stepped to the plate trying to belt line drives to different parts of the field, trying to collect points based on where they hit the ball. Each contestant got 10 swings with the player with the most points winning. After 11 contestants and many line drives it was Limestone's Christina Woolgar coming out on top, adding to her awards stash for the night, which included a Player of the Year and a First Team All-Conference award.

Conference Carolinas All-Conference Teams were determined by vote from each head coach of participating league institutions. Nominations are collected and then voted upon by ballot and tallied to determine Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, Coach of the Year, All-Conference First Team, and All-Conference Second Team. Awards were presented at the Conference Carolinas softball team banquet at the Conference Tournament Championships hosted by Coker College at Byerly Park, in Hartsville SC. This year's award winners are as follows:

Player of the Year:
Christina Woolgar, Limestone College

Freshman of the Year:
Jenna Guse, Limestone College

Coach of the Year:
Jimmy Martin, Limestone College

Coker Set to Host Conference Carolinas Softball Tournamnet

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
4/16/2009

Hartsville, S.C. - Coker College is set to host the 2009 Conference Carolinas softball tournament, April 17-19 at Byerly Park in Hartsville. The tournament will get started with some pre-tourney festivities on Thursday, April 16, at 6:00 p.m. including a team banquet and awards ceremony, followed by the first ever Line Drive Contest.

In the Line Drive Contest one player from each team will get 10 swings to try and hit as many line drives as possible, while collecting points for hitting balls to specific areas of the field. A team of three judges will determine whether or not the hit is a line drive. The player with the highest point total at the end of the competition will be declared the Line Drive Champion.

After Thursday night's fun and festivities, it is time to get down to the softball action starting Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. Games will be played on field #2 and field #4 at Byerly Park with game times at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Games will start at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday's games start at 11:00 a.m.

Tickets may be purchased at the gate, cost of a one day pass is $5 for adults, $4 for students, children six and under get in free and Conference Carolinas school students may purchase a pass for $2 with valid student ID.

For all the latest scores and news on the 2009 Conference Carolinas Tournament visit: www.cokercobras.com or www.conferencecarolinas.com.