May 10, 2007

• Box Score
• ACC Softball Championship Site
• Archived Webcast on ACCSelect.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Fourth-seeded Florida State used an eight-run rule, highlighted by a pair of home runs, to close out No. 5 seed North Carolina 8-0 in the fourth game of the 2007 ACC Softball Tournament Thursday evening at JoAnne Graf Field on the campus of the Florida State University.

The Seminoles improved to 43-21 on the season, while the Tar Heels fell to 43-18. With the win, Tiffany McDonald picked up her 16th win of the year (16-13), giving five full innings of work.

"Obviously, I was really excited that our bats woke up," said Florida State head coach Dr. JoAnne Graf. "Getting a run in the first inning was a big key for us. The hitters came through and Tiffany (McDonald) threw a great game. I felt like we were hitting on all cylinders."

In the bottom of the first inning, Florida State second baseman Veronica Wootson jumped on base first for the Seminoles as the senior earned a walk from starting Tar Heel pitcher Lisa Norris in the bottom of the first inning. Rookie of the Year Monica Montez struck out with a sacrifice bunt, advancing Wootson to second. Shortshop Yuruby Alicart then singled to left field, advancing to second on the throw, sending Wootson around the corner to put the Seminoles on the board early in the game.

The Seminoles' offensive surge continued in the bottom of the fourth inning, collecting six runs, including two home runs, and improving the score to 7-0. First baseman Brittany Osmon led off with a walk and advanced to second following catcher Robin Ahrberg's ground out to third base. Left fielder Jessica Gilmore nailed her seventh double of the season, sending Osmon across the plate, while also advancing to third on an error by UNC centerfielder Brenna Brown.

Designated player Whitney Buckmon kept the bats swinging for the Noles as the sophomore singled to right field, earning her fifth RBI of the season and sending Gilmore home.

Wootson, a three-time All-ACC selection, tabbed the first home run of the game, earning two RBI, the 133rd and 134th of her four-year career. Montez maintained the momentum for FSU, hitting a single to left field, while freshman outfielder Carly Wynn brought in the next two tallies with another Florida State home run.

In the Florida State fifth, Osmon helped secure the Seminoles' victory as the newcomer belted a triple down the left field line. Ahrberg closed the door with a fly out to centerfield, allowing Osmon to cross the plate.

Florida State advances to their 15th second round ACC Tournament appearance and will face top-seeded Virginia Tech tomorrow, Friday at 3:00 p.m.

GAME NOTES:

Three-time All-ACC performer Veronica Wootson tabbed the first home run of the game, earning two RBI, the 133rd and 134th of her four-year career. The home run marked the veteran's 29th career homer.

Today's 8-0 victory marked the second run-rule winning effort for Florida State in the first round of ACC tournament history.

Seminole Yuruby Alicart is currently riding a 15-game hitting streak as the senior went 1-for-3 in the winning effort.