STANDISH-STERLING - April 24, 2006 - The Standish-Sterling softball team earned its first victories of the season Monday, defeating Oscoda 8-1 in the first game and 8-7 in eight innings in the second contest.

"It was a much needed win," said SSC coach Keith Fegan of the first game. "Barb (Filipeck) pitched great and our defense was much better."

Filipeck tossed a no-hitter in the opener, striking out 11 and giving up an unearned run in the seventh inning. She added three hits of her own, scored twice and drove in a run.

Heather Walker drove in the Owls' run in the sixth inning. Riley Shelton took the loss for the Owls, striking out four and walking seven in six innings.

Olivia Picard added two hits and Megan Robinson and Ashley Morrison each drove in runs.

"We had two great games against a tough Standish team," said Oscoda coach Jamie Samotis. "We had one bad inning in the first inning that cost us the game. Besides that we held tight. We played well and I was happy with the girls' play on both defense and offense."

In the second game, the Panthers built a 6-2 lead. But with Filipeck beginning to tire, the Owls staged a five-run rally to take a 7-6 lead.

Sarah Ostroski's triple set the table for Schylur McLean's game-tying single in the bottom of the seventh, and Ashley Bonnau scored the winning run on Filipeck's fielder's choice in the eighth.

Bonnau had four hits, Picard drove in three runs and Tiffany Belanger had three hits to lead the Panthers in the second game.

Shugart, Walker and Heather Patterson had two hits apiece to lead the Owls. Shugart and Laurie David each had doubles, while David and Shugart each had RBIs.

"Heather Spencely had a great game at third base," Samotis said. "Justine Niemann was tough behind the plate for two straight games, stopping many balls in the dirt. Dana Shugart stepped up to pitch impressively."

SSC improved to 2-9 (2-2 NEMC) while the Owls dropped to 5-9 (0-4).