FLORENCE, SC – Sophomore centerfielder Danielle Karacson went 3-for-3 with two doubles and three runs driven in, while junior right-hander Katelyn Ellard tossed a 1-hitter to lead Francis Marion University to an 8-0 five-inning victory over Chowan University, Friday afternoon (Feb. 14) in the first game of the Patriot Invitational Softball Tournament.

Francis Marion (8-1) played Mercy College later on Friday night. The Patriots will continue play on Saturday when they face Chowan (3-2) at 1 p.m. and Mars Hill University (0-2) at 5 p.m.

Ellard (4-1) allowed only a fifth-inning single while striking out nine and walking no one. In 28.1 innings this season, she has fanned 33 batters and walked only one.

Junior pitcher Megan Vincent (2-1) took the loss after giving up six runs (three earned) on seven hits.

The Patriots scored in every inning except the fourth. In the first inning, freshman catcher Sarah Harkins reached on an error and scored on an RBI-single by junior leftfielder Jordan Carlson. Freshman designated player Savana Rosson and freshman shortstop Megan Matsil later rapped out run-scoring singles and Karacson capped the 5-run outburst with a two-run double to center field.

FMU scored once in the second when Carlson walked after a 12-pitch at bat and came around to score on a RBI-double to left by sophomore third baseman Janecia Hemingway.  The margin increased to 7-0 in third when Karacson doubled and scored on an RBI-double by freshman catcher Sarah Harkins.

A run-scoring single to deep center by Karacson in the fifth plated freshman pinch runner Jaiden Kiser with the eighth and game-ending run.  Kiser was running for sophomore first baseman Addie May who doubled to lead off the frame.

Harkins finished the contest 2-for-3 with a run scored and one driven in.

Post-game comments from FMU head coach Stacey Vallee

Francis Marion Univ. 8, Chowan University 0 (Feb 14, 2020 at Florence, SC)
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Chowan University... 000 00 -  0  1  3      (3-2)
Francis Marion Univ. 511 01 -  8 11  1      (8-1)
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Pitchers: Chowan University - Megan Vincent; Carleigh Wildeboer(2) and Lindsey Stigler.
Francis Marion Univ. - Katelyn Ellard and Sarah Harkins.
Win-Katelyn Ellard(4-1)  Loss-Megan Vincent(2-1)  T-1:26  A-100
Weather: 57,clear skies,winds @ 7 mph