March 2, 2001

Box Score

MIAMI, FL - The Florida Atlantic University softball team picked up victories against the University of Connecticut and Wichita State University in the first round of the FIU "Golden Panther" Invitational. The Lady Owls first defeated UConn 2-1, in 10 innings, and returned to the field to dispose of WSU in the second game 8-0. FAU improved to 13-5 on the season, while UConn fell to 2-4 and WSU to 2-2.

Senior captain, Kim Nicosia hit an RBI double in the top of the 10th to score Annie Norton, who was placed on second under the international tie breaker rule. Nicosia's hit preserved the win for Lady Owl starter Nicole Myers. Myers pitched a complete game one-hitter while striking out 12 Huskies . Nicosia's hit was one of four Lady Owl hits off UConn starter Barbara Cook.

In the second game, Michelle Shirah went 2-for-2 for the Lady Owls including a double and three RBIs. Starting pitcher, Chris Sutcliffe upped her record to 4-1 on the year by throwing a complete game five-hitter. Freshman Amy Bellisari was 2-for-2 including her first collegiate home run, which was hit in the bottom of the sixth inning to finish the mercy-ruled game.

With the victories the Lady Owls advance to the second round of the FIU "Golden Panther" Invitational. On Saturday, FAU will play the University of Arkansas at noon and Ohio St. at 2 pm.