OSCODA - May 1 , 2006 - Pinconning racked up 34 runs on Oscoda on Monday, sweeping the Owls 23-1 and 13-2 to stay in an unbeaten deadlock atop the North East Michigan Conference with Whittemore-Prescott.

The Owls were able to take Pinny the full seven innings in the opener and collected eight hits, while Lindsey Walker had an RBI.

"The girls played well against an outstanding Pinconning team," said Oscoda coach Jamie Samotis. "We hit the ball and played defense well - they just hit harder and had fewer errors."

In the second game, Oscoda highlights included Heather Spenceley's triple and an RBI by Dana Shugart.

Samotis has also liked what she's seen from freshman Heather Patterson.

"She has shown strengths at every position we need her to play," she said. "She always seems to find her way around the bases and I like her aggressive attitude. I am excited to watch her grow stronger for the next three years."

Gaining experience has at times been a rocky process for the young Owls, who fell to 5-15 (0-6 NEMC) with the losses.

"I've made some mistakes that have left me with my hands tied and unable to make substitutions when we need a change of pace," said Samotis, who is in her first year. "There have also been many close calls that if I had appealed the outcome, the games may have been different.

"I'm optimistic about my girls though, and I know they still have a lot of good games left to play."