Sophomore pitcher Michelle Weeks (Bunnell, Fla./ Flager Palm Coast) threw two complete-game shutouts, leading the Binghamton softball team to a 5-4 record at the University of Central Florida Spring Fling this past week. The Bearcats dropped four of their first five games but ended the week with four consecutive victories while outscoring their opponents 16-1. Included in those final four victories were a pair of 1-0 wins over a strong host team from Central Florida.

"We are very happy with our performance," head coach Holly Brown said. "We improved in every game we played. Our team showed a lot of heart in coming back to win those last four games. Facing a team like Central Florida gave us a lot of confidence."

Brown and the Bearcats were not sure what to expect, having not practiced outdoors prior to the tournament. With a 5-4 record in the bag, the team is still stressing improvement.

"This was a very good week but we want to keep improving," Brown said. "We are still switching our lineup around to see what will work best for us during the rest of the season. "

Offensively, the Bearcats were led in hitting by senior first baseman Leah Truncale (Newburgh, N.Y./ Newburgh), who batted a team-high .357, scored two runs and belted a triple. Sophomore infielder Marybeth Yerdon (Lacona, N.Y./ Sandy Creek) hit .273 with a double and two RBI. As far as timely hitting, Binghamton had many people step up and contribute.

"We had a lot of people step up and hit which is the way it needs to be for us this year," Brown said. "We can't just win with one person hitting well."

Defensively, Binghamton allowed one run over the final 29 innings. A combination of good pitching and timely defense proved pivotal down the stretch.

"Our defense is really coming together," Brown said. "Michelle was great on the mound and (junior catcher Jessica) Chellis called a good game. Our outfield really improved as the week went on."

As for Weeks, she went 2-1 with a 1.67 ERA. She struck out 28 batters in 27 innings and allowed no runs over her last 18.1 innings of work. She pitched a pair of 1-0 wins over Central Florida, striking out 13 batters and surrendering just six hits.

Binghamton is back in action at the George Mason Tournament next weekend.

March 9: Colorado State 2, Binghamton 0
March 10: Syracuse 8, Binghamton 0
March 10: Colorado State 1, Binghamton 0
March 11: Binghamton 5, Penn 1
March 11: Evansville 3, Binghamton 1
March 12: Binghamton 4, Butler 1
March 12: Binghamton 1, Central Florida 0
March 12: Binghamton 10, Bucknell 0
March 12: Binghamton 1, Central Florida 0

Overall Record: 5-4