FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3-30-05

College Softball: No. 9 North Florida 5-3, AASU 1-0

SAVANNAH, Ga. – No. 9-ranked North Florida limited the Armstrong Atlantic State softball team to just four hits in a doubleheader sweep of the Pirates, 5-1 and 3-0, in Peach Belt action on Wednesday afternoon at the AASU Softball Field.

North Florida hurler Tori Ahearn (18-3) hurled a two-hitter in game number one, striking out 11 and the Ospreys (30-6, 11-3 PBC) scored three runs in the top of the fifth inning to break open a 1-0 game and go on to the 5-1 win. UNF loaded the bases in the fifth inning and got a bases-loaded walk to Katie Field to score one run, then a wild pitch by Whitney Propes (5-5) scored another run and Gwen Williams’ RBI single plated a third run in the frame. Propes hurled 5 1/3 innings, giving up eight hits and five runs – three earned – while walking six to take the loss. Amber Hunt put the Pirates (18-13, 4-8 PBC) on the scoreboard in the top of the seventh with an RBI double that scored Carrie Broome.

In the second game, UNF starter Kelli Pitts (3-0) faced the minimum in a two-hit shutout, striking out four and allowing just two hits. The two baserunners allowed were eliminated on the Ospreys’ two double plays turned in the game. Kelli Rutenbar and Ashley Parenteau had RBI singles and Randalyn Rogers cranked her first home run of the season in support of Pitts. AASU starter Heather Woods (8-5) took the loss, giving up just five hits and three runs – two earned – while striking out four in the complete game.

AASU returns to action on Saturday, April 2, as the Pirates host GC&SU at 1:00 p.m. in the final home game of the 2005 season.

- Pirates -