GAFFNEY, S.C.-Francis Marion University relied on good pitching as the fifth-ranked Patriots swept a non-conference softball doubleheader from Limestone College 2-1 and 3-0, Thursday afternoon (Feb. 12).

Francis Marion remains unbeaten in nine games, while Limestone falls to 1-6.

In game one, FMU junior lefty Michaela Wolf (5-0) tossed a three-hitter, while striking out five.  Junior right-hander Lauren Bubeck (2-0) pitched a five-hit shutout in game two, striking out one and walking no one.

In the opener, Francis Marion took a 2-0 lead after the opening two innings. In the first frame, junior left fielder Jessica Birchmeier scored on an RBI double by junior third baseman Kat Beauvais. In the second inning, senior shortstop Shannan Tyson doubled home Jessie Alesi with the Patriots' second run.

Limestone plated its lone run in the third, when Lauren Robertson scored on an RBI groundout by Kelsey Kuykendall.  Emily Wallace (0-3) took the loss for the Saints in game one. She threw seven innings, allowed six hits, and had one strikeout.

In game two, Francis Marion scored all three of its runs in the fourth inning. Beauvais plated Birchmeier with an RBI double, while Nicole Reuter singled to score Beauvais, and Tyson drove in Reuter.

Kristy Witten (1-2) took the loss for Limestone.

Francis Marion they will play a Peach Belt Conference doubleheader at Georgia Southwestern State University on Saturday.

Game 1

Francis Marion 2, Limestone College 1 (Feb 12, 2009 at Gaffney, SC) (Game 1)

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Francis Marion......    110 000 0 -  2  6  1      (8-0)

Limestone College... 001 000 0 -  1  3  2      (1-5)

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Pitchers: Francis Marion - Michaela Wolf. Limestone College - E. Wallace.

Win-Michaela Wolf (5-0)  Loss-E. Wallace (0-3)  T-1:27  A-250

Game 2

Francis Marion 3, Limestone College 0 (Feb 12, 2009 at Gaffney, SC) (Game 2)

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Francis Marion......    000 300 0 -  3  5  1      (9-0)

Limestone College... 000 000 0 -  0  5  0      (1-6)

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Pitchers: Francis Marion - Lauren Bubeck. Limestone College - Kristy Witten.

Win-Lauren Bubeck (2-0)  Loss-Kristy Witten (1-2)  T-  A-0