ANDERSON, SC – Sophomore right-handed pitcher Laken Maxwell tossed a one-hitter as top-seeded and 15th-ranked Anderson University defeated eighth-seeded Francis Marion University 8-0, Thursday afternoon (May 12) in the opening game of the NCAA Division II Southeast Sub-Regional Softball Tournament. 
 
FMU (33-21) drops into the elimination bracket where the Patriots will face King University (a 5-3 loser to Lincoln Memorial University on Thursday) loser on Friday at 12:30 p.m.  If FMU wins that contest, it will play again on Friday at 3 p.m.  Anderson (38-7) will meet LMU at 10 a.m. on Friday. (PLEASE NOTE adjusted times, moved up because of forecasted rain on Friday).
 
Anderson loaded the bases in the bottom of the first with one out, but managed only a single run on an RBI groundout by Hannah Whitaker.  The margin doubled to 2-0 in the second when Jessica Neadow plated Olivia Wheeler with a sacrifice fly.
 
After Maxwell (20-5) retired the first seven Patriots in order, Francis Marion threatened in the top of the third.  Sophomore right fielder Katie Smith walked with one out, and following a strikeout, senior infielder Ashtyn Patterson was hit by a pitch.  However, Maxwell recovered to retired the next batter on a strikeout to end the frame.
 
For Patterson, who ranks third nationally in being hit, it was the 19th time she has been plunked this season – one shy of the school record set by Monica Wofford in 2007.
 
FMU was one strike from getting out of the third unscathed, but the Trojans erupted for six runs with two outs to increase their advantage to 8-0.  After taking a close two-strike pitch for a ball, catcher Hope Gullatt blasted a two-run homer over the left-center field wall.  Three batters later, Gracie Williams brought home two more with a double.
 
Smith singled to second base with two outs in the fifth to account for the other Patriot baserunner.
 
Junior right-hander Rachel Davis (15-9) started for FMU and was tagged with the loss.  Senior righty Janecia Hemingway came on in relief and recorded the final four outs.
 
Maxwell finished with six strikeouts, after entering the game with 236 punchouts in 158 innings of work.
 
Francis Marion was making its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 12 seasons.
 
"We can take some positives from today's game," said FMU head coach Stacey Vallee.  "I thought we battled the whole game.  We put the ball in play against a strikeout pitcher.  With only one player with NCAA Tournament experience on the roster, this was a learning experience.  Tomorrow I think we will come out a little more comfortable."
 
 
#15 Anderson 8, Francis Marion 0 (May 12, 2022 at Anderson, S.C.)
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Francis Marion...... 000 00 -  0  1  1      (33-21)
Anderson............ 116 0X -  8  8  0      (38-7)
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Pitchers: Francis Marion - Rachel Davis; Janecia Hemingway(3) and Lauren Smallwood. Anderson - Laken Maxwell and Hope Gullatt.
Win-Laken Maxwell(20-5)  Loss-Rachel Davis(15-9)  T-1:37  A-241
HR AND - Hope Gullatt.
Weather: Partly Cloud; 77
 
GAME NOTES
» Francis Marion pitchers faced 27 Anderson (SC) hitters in the game, allowing six ground balls and five fly balls while striking out one.
» Smith led the Patriots at the plate, going 1-for-1.
» Anderson (SC) was led offensively by freshman Hope Gullatt, who went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI.
» Maxwell led the Trojans pitching staff, throwing five shutout innings.