Saturday, March 21, 2009

MACON, Ga. - Jenni Holtz fanned 19 batters over 11 innings of work, and junior Brandy Keeter went 2-for-2 with an RBI in two games to help Mercer claim a sweep over Kennesaw State in Saturday's Atlantic Sun softball doubleheader held at Sikes Field. Mercer edged Kennesaw State 1-0 in game one and outscored the Owls 5-1 in game two.

With the wins Mercer extends its winning streak to eight and is now 23-9 (2-0 A-Sun). The victories marks Mercer's first ever doubleheader sweep of the Owls. With the defeats Kennesaw State drops to 13-14 (0-2 A-Sun).

Mercer is 2-0 in conference play for the first time since 2006.

"Today was a continuation of our total team effort," said head coach Mike Raynor. "We pitched well, played good defense and got enough offense going to grab two big conference wins."

In game one, Holtz allowed one hit and tied a career game-high with 14 strikeouts en route to the complete-game shutout victory. In game two, Holtz scattered three hits over four innings to post her second win of the day.

Holtz has not allowed an earned run in her last 39 innings and is now 15-4 on the season.

Mercer tallied its only run in game one in the third inning. Sophomore Amanda Santa Maria led off the inning with a walk, and the next batter, Keeter roped a single down the right field line, advancing Santa Maria to third base. Moments later, junior Holly Oglesbee skied a RBI sacrifice fly to left field to give Mercer the advantage.