HARTSVILLE, SC – Francis Marion University and local-rival Coker College split a non-conference softball doubleheader on Saturday afternoon (April 14) with both games being pitchers’ duels. Coker won the first game 2-0, but the 24th-ranked Patriots won game two 2-1.

Coker is now 32-10 overall, while Francis Marion is 33-13.

In game one, Coker's Shelly Catlett (13-2) led the Cobras with a complete-game four hitter. She struck out five. FMU senior righty Jessica Johnson (5-2) took the loss, despite allowing only two runs on six hits with five strikeouts.

Leading the Cobras at the plate was Ashton Williamson going 2-for-3, while Allie Bragg was 1-for-2 with an RBI. Eunice Nettles and Kimberly Atkinson were each 1-for-3.  

For FMU, catcher Kayla Moore was 2-for-3 with a double, while sophomore outfielder Lakyn Bendle was 1-for-2 and third baseman Shannon Tyson was 1-for-3.

In the second game, Coker senior Somer Bigham (19-8) started her final home game and unfortunately was unable to come away with the win, losing 2-1. Bigham allowed two runs on six hits in the game.

FMU sophomore right-hander Serena Lim (8-2) earned the win, allowing just one run on five hits with three strikeouts.

Senior outfielder Jenna Sexton was 2-for-4 with an RBI to lead FMU, while Lim was 2-for-3 with a run scored. Shortstop Allie Aleman was 1-for-2 with an RBI.

Coker was led by Atkinson going 2-for-3, while Williamson and Bragg were each 1-for-3 and Julia Nelson-Abbott was 1-for-2 with an RBI.

Francis Marion will play host to North Georgia College & State University on Sunday (April 15) at 1 p.m. as the Patriots conclude their regular season.