Raleigh, NC -- American Softball Association Hall of Famer and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Michele Smith joined the Pacers at Wachovia Athletic Park today. Smith met with both teams for game advice and photographs, she threw a pitch to each of the 4 catchers on the field, and signed autographs for fans and players.

The Softball team split today's double header with the Garnets of Swarthmore College today at the Pacers' Wachovia Athletic Park. Peace defeated the Garnets in game 1, 5-4. Junior Stephanie Monette (Conway. SC/Newberry College) added another win to her record (7-1) from the circle with the help of senior out fielder Kenni Seagroves (Apex, NC/Apex). The Garnets led 4-2 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning. Senior first baseman Holly Braswell (Raleigh, NC/Garner) led off with a double to left field and first-year Breanne Hinnant (Manteo, NC/Manteo) stepped in to pinch run for Braswell. Seagroves homered to tie the score 4-4.

Junior center fielder Tiffany DeLeone (Clinton, NC/Louisburg College) advanced to first after being hit by a pitch. Sophomore catcher Kristyn Trogdon (Asheboro, NC/Southwestern Randolph) and first-year third baseman Courtney Long (Nakina, NC/South Columbus) both singled loading the bases. First-year short Jessica Hogan (Denton, NC/Southwestern Randolph) advanced to first with a base on balls scoring the game-winning run for the Pacers.

The Pacers fell to the Garnets in game 2 giving up 12 hits and 8 runs. Down 5-0 going into the bottom of the fourth, Peace hit the ball well and closed the gap with 3 runs. Joanie Blevins (Thurmond, NC/East Wilkes) led off with a single to third. Monica Champagne (Spring Hope, NC/Southern Nash) stepped in as pinch runner to give Blevins a chance to warm-up. She entered in relief for Ashley Stansbury (Rougemont, NC/Northern Durham) in the seventh. Kasie Moore (Clayton, NC/Clayton) moved Champagne to third with a single to center field. Stansbury doubled to earn 2 RBIs. Braswell put Stansbury in scoring position with a single to right and DeLeone scored Stansbury with a sacrifice fly to left.

Unfortunately, the Pacers would not score again dropping their first game since losing by 2 runs to Lynchburg College in the Beach Blast over spring break.

The Pacers travel next to Ferrum, VA for tournament action beginning with Ohio Northern Saturday, March 15 at 10:00am. Join us back at Wachovia Athletic Park next Tuesday as the Pacers play their first conference game of the season hosting Averett University See you on the sidelines!