FLORENCE, S.C. - Francis Marion University clouted four home runs and received a pair of shutout pitching performances to sweep Newberry College 5-0 and 12-0 in women’s softball action Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 18).

The Patriots improve to 4-0, while Newberry falls to 0-2.

In game one, senior righty Natalie Taylor (1-0) tossed a three-hit shutout and sophomore catcher Jamie Wiggins hit a two-run homer run as FMU prevailed 5-0.

Newberry showed potential in its 2004 debut inning, but stranded three baserunners after a hit and an error. The Patriots took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second when Jenna Sexton scored on a two-out Newberry error. Three pitches later, Wiggins launched a high fly ball to rightcenter field that carried over the fence for a two-run shot. FMU added a single run in the third frame on another Newberry error, and tallied its final run in the fifth inning on an RBI-double by Ashleigh Duffy.

Patriot freshman first baseman Tatjana Slawson was a perfect three-for-three, with a double, a run scored, and a stolen base. Leadoff hitter Betsy Bouknight collected two hits, including a double, and a stolen base.

In addition to the first inning opportunity, Newberry also put runners on first and third with one out in the seventh, but Taylor struck out the next two batters to end the game. Designated player Christina Kirby had two of Newberry’s three hits. Kayce McLeod (0-1) was the losing pitcher.

In the second game, Wiggins and freshman Mina Roof each hit two-run shots and Slawson added a solo home run as the Patriots collected seven hits and took advantage of four Newberry errors. Wiggins also had a sacrifice fly, while Duffy had an RBI single.

Freshman Sam Goff (2-0) limited Newberry to five hits, while Kirby (0-1) was tagged with the loss. Only half of the 12 runs she surrendered were earned. At the plate, Kirby led the Lady Indians with two hits in the second contest.