AUGUSTA, GA- Augusta University softball (2-0) earned the doubleheader sweep over nonconference opponent Catawba (0-2), winning game one, 11-0 in five innings and earning a second 5-1 victory on Saturday afternoon at Jaguar Field.
 
"It was a good day all around," said Head Coach Melissa Brocato. "Pitching did well, hitters and defense did well. And team spirit seemed great too! I'm happy with opening day, not just the outcome, but with the attitude and heart as well."

Newcomer Alissa Bolinger (1-0) got the nod in game one and carded her first win as a Jaguar, pitching all five innings. Bollinger struck out six batters while giving up two hits and no runs.
 
After a scoreless first inning, a double by Bobbi Poff put Augusta on the board 1-0. An error by the Catawba pitcher sent Poff and Naveah Ross in for the score. After a double by Lauren Slade scored Grace Bridges and Slade scored on an error by the Catawba shortstop, Bailee Roberts blew open the score with a two-run homer for a 7-0 Augusta lead through just two innings. Roberts would sail another three-run homer in the fourth inning for a 10-0 Augusta lead. Lauren Barrett capped AU scoring with a double that scored Hayden Pearson.
 
Bailee Roberts went 2-for-3 with 5 RBI to help the Jaguars to a game-one win. Lauren Slade also went 2-for-3, while Lauren Evens, Lauren Barett, and Navaeh Ross, and Bobbi Poff all turned in hits.
 
Asnley Gibson (1-0) earned the start in game two, giving up six hits and striking out eight Catawba batters.
 
A sacrifice fly from Paige Patterson gave AU a single run in the third inning before a two-run single from Lauren Slade advanced the score to 3-0. Bailee Roberts lined out to send Grace Bridges home in the fourth inning. A single from Paige Patterson in the sixth inning provided the fifth and final score of the game.

A home run by Catawba's C. Brendle represented the only visiting run of the day.

Paige Patterson went 2-for-2 with two RBI. Lauren Slafe was 2-for-3 with two RBI and a single run. Bailee Roberts and Lauren Barrett each went 1-for-2 while three other Jaguars were 1-for-3.
 
Augusta returns to action on Sunday when travels to nonconference foe Francis Marion.  First-pitch is slated for 3 pm.
 
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