North Georgia College & State University pitcher Jessica Coan struck out 19 batters Friday to lead the third-ranked Lady Saints to a 2-0 victory against Lenoir-Rhyne in the opening game of the Mid-South Classic.

Coan (8-1), whose 19 strikeouts is tied for the second-highest total in a seven-inning game in Division II softball history, lowered her earned run average to 0.26 this season and increased her strikeout total to 98. Opponents are hitting .100 against the junior right-hander.

The Lady Saints (18-2) play Catawba, Coker and Wingate today, and face LeMoyne on Sunday to end the Mid South Classic.