ANDERSON, S.C. - The Anderson softball team opened up its 2012 home slate, using solid offensive and defensive performances on the afternoon to sweep Coker, 5-2 and 9-1, Saturday at Smethers Field.

With inclement weather threatening to hit the area later Saturday night, Anderson picked up its ninth and 10th wins of the season.

Anderson improved to 10-2 on the season, while Coker slipped to 5-5.

The homestanding Trojans managed 14 runs on the afternoon and the AU defense was stellar, with the pitching staff yielded just three runs during the doubleheader sweep.

Game #1
Anderson 5, Coker 2

The Cobras struck first in the opening matchup, as Sydney Weatherford hit a one out double that sailed to the right field wall in the second inning. One out later, Logan Cox came through with an infield single that scored Weatherford. The pitchers' fifth RBI on the season gave Coker a 1-0 lead.

The Trojans answered in the third inning, rallying for four runs off four hits. The offensive surge started with back-to-back base hits from freshmen Jessica Neidigh and Rebecca Martin. The next batter, Abby Child blasted a three-run homer over the left-centerfield wall. Teammate Danielle Swygert followed by sending a ball off the scoreboard in deep center field to give Anderson the 4-1 advantage. The home run was her second of the 2012 campaign.

Leading 4-2 in the fifth, Martin ended Cox's day with a solo shot that carried over the left field wall. The blast was the first of the outfielder's colligate career.

The Trojans worked through a rally attempt in the sixth inning by the visitors to preserve the 5-2 victory.

Cox (2-2) lasted four innings, yielding five runs off six hits. The loss gave the freshman her first defeat on the season.
Trojan starter Larissa Ostapiak pitched her fifth complete game of the season. The freshman improved her record to 4-1, giving up just two runs. In her first home game as a Trojan, Martin went 3-for-3 with two RBI. Swygert went 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Game #2
Anderson 9, Coker 1, (5 innings)

The Trojans scored the first runs of the nightcap in the opening inning, using a base hit and two walks to load the bases with no outs. One out later, sophomore Laura Jansky singled through the left side to give the Trojans the early 1-0 advantages the catcher recorded her eighth RBI on the season. The next batter, freshman Rachel Rhodes, recorded her 10th RBI as she drew a walk with the bases loaded.

Coker answered in the third inning as it used a pair of base hits to cut the Trojan lead in half.

In the fourth inning Anderson used an offensive surge to take away the Cobra's momentum. The outburst started with an Amber Duncan walk, then with two outs and following two base hits from freshman Bri Cason and Martin, Child found herself at the plate with the bases full of Trojans. The shortstop rocketed the ball just inside the left-field foul pole for her third long ball of the season, giving Anderson the 6-1 advantage.

In the fifth inning, Duncan ripped her first home run of the season out of Smethers Field. Her two-run blast increased the Trojans lead 8-1. Later in the inning, Neidgh's fielder's choice allowed another run to score, shortening the game to five innings.

Becky Dillon (2-2) took the loss for the Cobras. The senior went 3 2/3 innings, giving up six runs. Duncan (5-0) grabbed the win for the Trojans, pitching a complete game, giving up one run in five innings.

Child finished 1-for-2 with four RBI.

Anderson will get back on the diamond Thursday at Columbia College. First-pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.