March 2, 2001

Box Score

MIAMI, FL - The Florida Atlantic University softball team picked up victories against the University of Connecuticutt 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 mercy WSU in the second game 8-0. FAU improved to 13-5 on the season, while UCONN falls to 2-4 and WSU to 2-2.

Senior captain, Kim Nicosia hit an RBI double in the top of the 10th to core Annie Norton, who was placed on second under the international tie breaker system. Nicosia's hit preserved the win for Lady Owl starter Nicole Myers. Myers pitched a complete game one-hitter, and struck out 12 would be Husky hitters. Nicosia's hit was one of four Lady Owl hits off Husky starter Barbara Cook.

In the second game, Michelle Shirah was 2-for-2 for the Lady Owls double and three RBIs. Staring 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.

The Lady Owls will advance to the second round of the FIU "Golden Oanther" Invitational. FAU will play the University of Arkansas at noon and Ohio St. at 2 pm.