FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3-18-00

College Softball: No. 3 AASU 4-4, USC Aiken 0-1

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The No. 3-ranked Armstrong Atlantic State softball team swept a Pacb Belt Athletic Conference doubleheader from USC Aiken, 4-0 and 4-1, on Saturday afternoon at AASU.

Sophomore Annie Sells fired a one-hit shutout in game one, striking out 10, to improve to 9-0 on the season. Junior Maria Lopez had three hits and three RBI to pace the Pirates offensively, while junior second baseman Tesh Wiewel had two hits and two runs scored. Crystal Dunkle gave up nine hits and four runs – only on earned – in game one to suffer the loss for the Pacers.

In the second game, the Pirates put up two runs in the first and second innings and held on for the 4-1 win. Maria Lopez allowed just one run, striking out seven, for the victory, while Julie King pitched three shutout innings for her first save of the season. Brea Smith had three hits to lead the Pirates, while Jami Cornwell provided the offense for USC Aiken with her second home run of the year in the fourth inning. Julie Green picked up the loss for the Pacers, giving up eight hits and four runs in six innings.

AASU next hosts Francis Marion on Sunday, March 19 at 2:00 p.m. in Peach Belt Athletic Conference action. USC Aiken travels to Jacksonville, Fla., to take on the No. 8-ranked University of North Florida at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.

- Pirates -