NEWBERRY, S.C. - The Newberry softball team dropped a pair to Coker College this afternoon, 4-0 in game one and 5-2 in the second.  The Lady Indian bats were slowed by the Coker pitching staff en route to just 10 hits on the day.  Newberry falls to 6-10-1 overall, while Coker improves to 9-2.

Newberry fell behind early in game one after Kimberly Atkinson knocked a two-run home run over the left field fence in the second inning.  Eunice Nettles came up with an RBI single in the fourth while Marie Mascio did the same in the fifth, giving the Cobras a four-run cushion.  Coker forced the Newberry offense into four three up, three down innings on the game. 

Newberry hurler Christina Kirby (Delmar, Del.) was charged with the loss bringing her record to 2-4.  Shelly Catlett (2-0) picked up the win for Coker.

The Lady Indians recorded several more hits in the nightcap, but they fell beind early once again.  Jacque Stewart blasted a solo shot to center field, putting the Cobras on top in the third inning.  Coker went on to add four more runs in the fifth off of hits by Anna Lucas, Jessica Blackwell, and Amy Shelley.  Newberry rallied for a run in their half of the fifth as Courtney Lindler (Irmo, S.C.) scored Jessica Jackson (Batesburg, S.C.) with a double.

The Lady Indians continued to rally late, as Crystal Renfro (Myrtle Beach, S.C.) and Betsy Shealy (Leesville, S.C.) each hit singles to start off the seventh.  Renfro was able to score before two ground outs ended the inning.  Stephanie Monette (Conway, S.C.) (1-3) picked up the loss, while Somer Bigham (5-1) got the win.  Lindler went 3-for-4 on the game with an RBI.

Up next for Newberry is the Florida Gulf Coast Tournament in Fort Myers, Fla.  The team kicks off the tournament on Saturday, March 4 at 10 a.m. as they face Gannon University.  Other games on Saturday include Saginaw Valley State University at 12 p.m. and Grand Valley State University at 4 p.m.  The team will also compete on Sunday, March 5 and Monday, March 6.  Coker will face Lees-McRae on March 4 at home at 2 p.m.