Wingate, N.C.----The Francis Marion University softball team hit four home runs and collected 24 hits, allowing the Patriots to sweep an NCAA Division II doubleheader over host Wingate University, Tuesday (Feb. 20) at the Wingate University softball facility. The Patriots won both games by identical 7-3 scores.

With the two victories, Francis Marion improves to 8-2 overall. Wingate loses for the first time in 2007, falling to 8-2 overall. The Bulldogs return home Thursday, hosting Montreat College for a 2 p.m. twin bill. The Patriots visit Georgia Southwestern State University on Saturday for a 12 noon Peach Belt Conference doubleheader.

Game #1 – Francis Marion 7, Wingate 3 
The Patriots scored seven runs on seven hits in the top of the seventh inning to rally for the come-from-behind victory. Francis Marion had two home runs in the seventh frame, including a three-run blast by senior first baseman Janine Allen. Patriot junior shortstop Allie Aleman hit a solo shot later in the inning. Aleman was three-for-four in the first game.
 
Wingate senior pitcher Ashley Green (6-1) took the loss as she allowed seven runs on 11 hits, struck out three, and walked none. Green had allowed only four hits (all singles) prior to the fateful seventh inning. 
 
Francis Marion freshman pitcher Michaela Wolf (5-1) picked up the win. The left-hander gave up three runs (two earned) on eight hits. Wolf struck out nine and walked one. She is the first lefty Wingate has faced this season. Both Wolf and Green pitched complete games.
 
Wingate scored single runs in the first, sixth and seventh innings. Bulldog junior infielder Courtney Wagner plated a run in the first with an RBI single. In the sixth, freshman designated player Leyila Myers doubled and scored on a wild pitch.  Wagner stroked an RBI double in the seventh, scoring senior catcher Mandi Chester, who had been hit by a pitch. Wagner, Myers and senior outfielder Joy Henry  had seven of Wingate’s eight hits in the opener.
 
Game #2– Francis Marion 7, Wingate 3 
The Patriots scored four runs in the first three innings to take the victory in the nightcap. Five of Francis Marion’s runs scored on home runs. Patriot sophomore infielder Laura Hauff hit a two-run homer in the top of the third inning to give the visitors a 4-1 lead.
 
FMU sophomore catcher Kayla Ruede hit a three-run blast in the top of the sixth inning to give the Patriots some insurance. Francis Marion senior outfielder Jenna Sexton was three-for-four with a double and one RBI in the nightcap. Sexton was one of five Patriots with multiple hits in game two.
 
Wolf (6-1) won game two as well, hurling her second complete game. She allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits. Wolf struck out five and walked one. Green (6-2) was the loser, giving up seven runs on 13 hits in seven innings of work. She struck out eight and walked five.
 
Seven Bulldogs had one hit each in game two. Chester and sophomore shortstop/outfielder Heather Winchester had RBI singles for the hosts. Winchester plated a run in the second inning, while Chester contributed a run-scoring hit in the third frame.