ATLANTA ? The Georgia State softball team improved its record to 18-3 as it swept the competition in the first day of the FSU Invitational, defeating the University of Connecticut, 3-2, and Appalachian State, 7-1, freshman Catherine Lee ended the day batting 5-for-7, crossing the plate twice and driving in three runs.

In the first game against UCONN, the Panthers scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat the Huskies 3-2.  In the seventh, the first two Panther batters were able to reach base. After a groundout allowed them to move to second and third, Catherine Lee singled a run home to put Georgia State on the board. The next batter Lauren Jones singled to score the tying run and advance the winning run to third. Rachel Cunningham hit a drive down the first base line to give the Panthers the victory.

Sophomore Danielle Roddy and freshman outfielder Lauren Jones ended the game batting 2-for-3, as Alicia Mills improved her record to 8-1.

In the second game against Appalachian State, the Panthers continued their seventh inning rally from the previous game and took it to the Mountaineers, 7-1.  Junior right hand hurler Madi Gore (6-2) garnered the win for State, allowing only one run and eight hits, while striking out nine.

Roddy went a perfect 3-for-3 in the second game against the Mountaineers, as junior outfielder Holly Willis picked up two hits in three at bats, crossing the plate twice for State.

The Panthers (2-0) will take on Florida State University (2-0) Sunday at 12:15 p.m.. Following that game, UConn (0-2) and Appalachian State (0-2) will play in the consolation game at 2:30 p.m. and Georgia State and Florida State will have a re-match in the championship game at 4:45 p.m.