FMU sweeps Softball in home opener

Salisbury, N.C. —- The Catawba College softball team showcased the power on Wednesday afternoon in their home-opening doubleheader versus Francis Marion at Whitley Field, but it did not result in a win. The Patriots improve to 6-0 overall, while the Catawba Indians drop to 2-4.

Catawba could not get out of the first inning in game number one, as Francis Marion put up 16 runs in the opening frame. The Catawba Indians battled back, however, out-scoring the Patriots 12-3 the rest of the way.

Courtnee Carter led the way offensively, going 3-for-4 with two doubles, a homer, four runs scored and four more driven in. Christina Brendle followed her in the lineup with a three-hit game as well, notching two more RBI and a run scored. Bri Gallagher and Molly Strider each homered in the high-scoring contest as well.

Each of the Patriots' starting nine batters scored at least two runs. The team also hit four home runs with six players recording a multi-RBI game. Jordan Rivera earned the win with 4.2 innings of relief. 

Game number two showcased more power from Catawba, as Carter and Strider each hit their second home run of the day in the second game. Riley Tucker went 4-for-4 with three doubles and gave up just two hits in 2.1 innings of relief in the circle.

FMU once again jumped out to a lead, this time 4-0 after two innings. Carter and Strider's homers brought the Catawba Indians back within a run after the fourth. After the Patriots added two insurance runs in the top of the fifth, Tucker answered with a two-RBI double to get within a run once again, but the team would not score again.

Catawba returns to Whitley Field this weekend for a pair of double headers against Barton and Le Moyne on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The first game against Barton is scheduled for a 1 p.m. first pitch.