Patriot Softball splits two games at Early Bird Tournament

AIKEN, SC - The Francis Marion University women's softball team opened its 2010 season on Saturday (Feb. 6) by splitting a pair of games at the Early Bird Tournament in Aiken, S.C.

FMU defeated Mount Olive College 8-2 in its season opener, but then lost to Seton Hill University 8-6 on Saturday evening.

The Patriots will conclude the tournament on Sunday by facing Chowan University at 10 a.m. and Barton College at 2 p.m.

Senior left-handed pitcher Michaela Wolf struck out 12 Mount Olive batters in the opener to pick up the win.  Senior outfielder Jessica Birchmeier was 3-for-4 at the plate, including a 2-run home run.  Sophomore Ashley Jaramillo was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored, while sophomore newcomer Destinea Schneider was also 2-for-4.

In the nightcap, freshman southpaw Murphy McConnell was the losing pitcher in relief.  Jaramillo was 3-for-4 at the plate with an RBI and a run scored, while Wolf rapped out a 2-run single.