The Georgia Southwestern softball team fell behind early in both games of their Peach Belt Conference softball doubleheader at Francis Marion on Monday afternoon, eventually falling by scores of 5-2 and 8-3.

Francis Marion improves to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in the PBC, while GSW drops to 2-8 and 0-4. 

Trailing 5-0 in game 1, the Lady Hurricanes scored their two runs in the fourth on a two-run homer to left-center field by third baseman Katie Wooten.  Left-hander Jessica Martin (0-3) allowed the five runs in only one inning pitched.  Right-handed reliever Katie Mueller threw 5.0 scoreless innings.

GSW was held to two hits in the opener. 

Kat Beauvais was 2-for-3 for Francis Marion, as was center fielder Destinea Schneider and second baseman Ashley Jaramillo.

Game two lasted over two hours and was played almost entirely in a steady cold rain.  Junior outfielder Chelle Phillips paced the Patriots with a 2-for-4 effort that included two runs scored and four driven in.  Her three-run homer helped stake the Patriots to a 7-0 advantage after four innings.

Martin, as the designated hitter for GSW, and catcher Ashley Harris both went 2-for-4 with an RBI for the Lady Hurricanes in the second contest.  Second baseman Gabby Buck and Wooten also rapped out two hits for GSW.  Righty starter Mariko Nomura (1-4) lasted only 2.1 innings and allowed four runs on five hits.

Jaramillo, Schneider, and Michaela Wolf also collected two hits in the second game. 

Wolf, who picked up a pair of wins tossing two complete games for FMU, drilled a line-drive solo home run in the sixth inning. She struck out nine Lady ‘Canes in game two, while walking only one.

Southwestern will host Emmanuel College for a four-game set this weekend, beginning with a doubleheader on Friday at 4 p.m.

PICTURED: Gabby Buck

PHOTO BY: Chris Fenn