KERRVILLE, Texas -- Sophomore Cozette Palmer of Southwestern University threw the first no hitter in SCAC Softball Championship history as the 4th-seeded Pirates defeat No. 5 Austin College 8-0 in five innings. Official Website l Interactive Bracket l Cozette Palmer Interview l Head Coach Angela Froboese Interview l Photos

Palmer threw five complete innings, allowing no runs on no hits while striking out five. Only one batter reached in the top of the fifth due to an error. 

There had been eight one hitters in SCAC Softball Championship history, but never a no hitter until today.

Southwestern (17-19, 12-9 SCAC) turned a close, 1-0 ballgame into an 8-0 elimination, scoring seven run in the bottom of the fifth. Caroline Young ended the game with a bases clearing, three run double for the win.

Young finished 2-for-3 on the day to lead the offense. Marissa Irvin, Sydney Oorlog, Stacy Rosengren, each had a hit and a RBI. Linsay Biggers also added a RBI on the afternoon while Berkley Bacon scored two runs.

Victoria Herrera took the loss for Ausitn College (10-15, 5-13 SCAC). She was terrific through four innings, only allowing one run on one hit and striking out three in the process.

The Pirates will move on to face to-seeded Texas Lutheran University later today at 4 p.m. Meanwhile, the Austin College 'Roos will move into an elimination game against the loser of game four at 12 p.m.