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FLORENCE, SC - Francis Marion University threatened on a few occasions but could not come up with the big hit to salvage a split with Augusta State University, as the 20th-ranked Jaguars topped the Patriots 7-1 and 2-0 in a Peach Belt Conference twinbill Wednesday afternoon (March 21).

Francis Marion will continue it's homestand this weekend when it hosts 16th-ranked Armstrong Atlantic State University, Saturday (March 24) at 2 p.m. for a doubleheader.

The Patriots (24-10, 4-4) dropped the opening game 7-1 after the Jaguars (27-7, 8-2) hung a four spot in the second inning, followed by three more runs in the top of the third.  It was a couple of extra base hits followed by Kacee Camp's bases-clearing triple that made the early lead 4-0. 

With the score 7-0 in the bottom of the fifth, FMU put pressure on ASU by piecing together a two-out rally started by back-to-back singles from sophomores Lindsey Brown and Sara Broderick.  Senior Destinea Schneider then drew a walk that would have loaded the bases, but Brown was caught trying to steal home to end the inning.

Francis Marion again put runners on base in the top of the seventh inning, led off by junior Olivia Ferguson's single to shortstop.  Sophomore Carson Summersett followed with a double just inside the leftfield line to put runners on second and third with no outs.  After a pair of outs, Schneider reached on an infield single that plated Ferguson to bring the score to 7-1 before the Jaguars closed the door.

The Patriots had eight hits, but also a pair of ill-timed errors.  Freshman Katie Carnes (9-4) took the loss as she lasted only 1.1 innings allowing four runs, three of them earned.  Sophomore Taylor Luff worked the next inning giving up three runs, before senior Kayla Ellingsen pitched the final four and two-thirds innings scattering three hits, striking out four and shutting out the Jaguar hitters.  Emily Headrick (14-2) picked up the win for ASU.

Ellingsen picked up where she had left off in the first game as the nightcap's starter for FMU.  The senior pitched a complete game giving up only three hits and one earned run, but still was tabbed the hard luck loser in the 2-0 decision with Heather Hughes (9-3) getting the win.

A lead-off walk for Augusta State came around to score courtesy of a passed ball for the early 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning.  The Jaguars then doubled their lead in the top of the third when Renae Kimbell reached on an error to lead off the frame and came around to score on a double to push the advantage to 2-0.

Francis Marion outhit the Jaguars five to three in the game, but just couldn't seem to get the big hit when it needed it.  FMU started a one out rally in the bottom of the sixth when senior Megann Sallinger recorded a pinch hit single up the middle.  Broderick, who re-entered for Sallinger, took second on a wild pitch to move into scoring position.  With two outs senior Ashley Jaramillo singled to put runners at the corners before both were stranded.

A lead-off single in the bottom of the seventh by sophomore Jazz Holliday gave the Patriots hope once again, but a lineout double play thwarted that potential comeback.