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March 14, 2010
RALEIGH, NC - Fayetteville State opened conference play this past weekend at the CIAA Softball Round-up in Raleigh, NC. Every CIAA institution including future member Lincoln (PA) gathered at the Walnut Creek Softball Complex for cross divisional games. Although the weekend was overcast with rain and muddy field conditions, the Lady Broncos (7-15 overall, 0-3 CIAA) defeated Lincoln (PA) 12-3 but lost to Elizabeth City State (2-12), Virginia State (4-6), and the 2009 CIAA Champion Bowie State (5-13). Today's games versus Virginia Union and St. Paul's have been postponed until March 28. Fayetteville State opened the weekend with a 12-3 victory over Lincoln. Play began on Friday but due to the conditions, it was completed on Saturday. Pitcher Misty Huber (1-10 overall) allowed seven hits and three runs in six innings but struck out eight of 28 batters faced. Demarius Pankey and Ashley Wlezen hit doubles while LoTonia Gatling and Shahiree Covington had three RBI's each. The Lady Broncos scored runs in all six innings. The Lady Broncos did not utilize Tracy Brighter (6-5) during the roundup. In an attempt to relieve Huber, short-stop Demarius Pankey had fill-in duties against FSU's first conference opponent Elizabeth City State. Facing the first ten batters, Pankey (0-1) walked four and allowed six hits in the first inning. Down 10-0 with no outs and the bases loaded, FSU was forced to make lineup adjustments to place Huber back on the mound. Lugenia Beatty was hit by pitch in the third inning, stole second base, and later scored on a passed ball. She singled in the top of the fifth inning and scored when April Branch hit a triple. After four-and-a-half innings, the Lady Vikings walked away with a 12-2 victory. Fayetteville State fell behind early in its game against Virginia 5-0. In the bottom of the fifth inning with two outs, the Lady Broncos began a rally. Doniecia Ebron and Gatling singled to reach base. Beatty reached base on balls which left April Branch as the next batter. With bases loaded, Branch nailed one over the fence for her first grand slam of her career for a 4-5 score. The Lady Trojans scored another run in the sixth inning to end the rally and let its defense hold on the 6-4 victory. Despite a 13-5 loss to Bowie State, Fayetteville State had its second best hitting game with 11 hits. Shahiree Covington hit the team's second homerun of the weekend. Ashley Wlezen hit a double. Demetree Benton along with Gatling, Pankey and Covington had two singles a-piece while Branch and Beatty had one. Fayetteville State will be back in action on the 17th of March with a divisional double-header against Livingstone. The first game will begin at 2:00 pm. The Lady Broncos will make-up the games against Virginia Union and St. Paul's on March 28th in Petersburg, VA at 10 am and 12 noon respectfully.
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