March 31, 2010

Spartanburg, S.C. - Heading into the season, Upstate head coach Chris Hawkins said the strongest facet of his team would probably be defense. Through the first half of the season, the veteran coach has been correct as Upstate has moved into the top position in the country for fielding percentage in the latest statistical report issued by the NCAA.

The NCAA releases its weekly statistical report every Tuesday and the Spartans, with a .983 fielding percentage top the nation in defense. Upstate is ahead of Notre Dame and Texas-Arlington, both of whom have a .978 fielding percentage, and Florida at .977. Upstate also ranks 19th in earned run average, 29th in winning percentage and 38th in doubles per game.

Individually, Morgan Childers continues to shine among the nation's top pitchers. She ranks second in three statistical categories with a 0.58 ERA, 13.1 strikeouts per game and 2.27 hits allowed per game. She also ranks fourth in total strikeouts, fifth in shutouts, eight in wins, and 41st in walks allowed per game.

Other Spartans also rank among the country's leaders. Crislyn Chewning is the 28th toughest player to strike out in the nation, while Kim Brasil ranks 43rd in doubles per game, and that was before she collected a pair of two-baggers Tuesday in the doubleheader sweep of Gardner-Webb.