GREENWOOD----The Wingate University softball team kicked off its 2006 season on a winning note Friday afternoon when it swept a non-conference doubleheader at Lander winning the first game, 6-2, and the second game, 3-1. (Game 1 Box | Game 2 Box)

In the first game, Lauren Powell (1-0) earned the victory, striking out six, walking one and allowing two earned runs on six hits in seven complete innings. Lander's Austin Murray (0-2) took the loss, striking out five, walking four and allowing six earned runs on eight hits in six innings pitched.

For Wingate, Megan McPhail wnet 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI, while Mandi Chester went 2-for-3 with three runs scored. Kimee Lewis went 2-for-5.

For Lander, Heather Bishop went 2-4.

In the second game, Wingate's Ashley Green (1-0) was awarded the victory, striking out two, walking two and allowing one run on eight hits in the complete seven innings. Lander's Ashlea Burdette (2-1) was the loser, striking out two, walking one and allowing three runs (two earned) on 11 hits in seven innings.

For Wingate, Sarah Carleton went 1-for-4 with one double, one run scored and one RBI, Joy Henry went 3-for-3 with one run scored and Hallie Pettigrew went 2-for-3 with one run scored.

For Lander, Burdette went 2-for-3 with one triple and one run scored and Melissa Ryals went 2-for-4 with one double.