LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern College (1-5, 0-1 SSC) faced a tough challenge against Rollins (5-2, 1-0 SSC), falling 6-3 at Chris Bellotto Field on Friday. Florida Southern showcased a strong offensive effort with nine hits, including four doubles, but couldn't overcome Rollins' decisive four-run fifth inning. The Moccasins took an early lead with three runs in the first, but Rollins' rally sealed their fate.
The Mocs kicked off the game impressively.
Gigi Polanco led with a bunt single, and
Keira Morris followed with a double down the left field line, advancing Polanco to third.
Ella Torres delivered a double to center, driving in both Polanco and Morris. Torres later scored on an error by the shortstop after
Kate Mikle reached base, giving Florida Southern a 3-0 lead by the end of the first inning.
Rollins made their move in the third. Kaeli Zahradnik walked, stole second, and scored on a single by Jenna Borkey, trimming Florida Southern's lead to 3-1.
In the fourth, Rollins added another run. Marisa Edevane walked and was driven home by Madison Carr's double, bringing the score to 3-2, still in favor of the Moccasins.
The fifth inning was pivotal for Rollins, as they scored four runs. Jenna Borkey was hit by a pitch and later scored on a single by Rachel Matthiese. A sacrifice fly by Isabella Golas and a two-RBI double from Long pushed Rollins ahead with a 6-3 lead.
Despite keeping Rollins scoreless in the sixth and seventh innings, Florida Southern couldn't close the gap. The final score stood at Rollins 6, Florida Southern 3.
Polanco had a standout game with three hits, two of which were doubles, and scored a run. Torres drove in two runs with a double and scored once. Morris added a double, drew a walk, and scored.
Des Aitken contributed a hit in a pinch-hitting role and pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing just one hit.
Torres pitched 3 1/3 innings, giving up three hits and two earned runs, with two walks and no strikeouts, ending with a WHIP of 1.61.
Amanda Lieberman provided relief but struggled, allowing four hits and four earned runs over 1 1/3 innings, along with a walk and two hit batters. Aitken brought stability from the bullpen, pitching 2 1/3 innings with only one hit allowed and no runs, despite two walks, maintaining a WHIP of 1.43.
Claire Long shone for Rollins with two RBIs and a crucial double. Carr had a strong offensive showing, achieving a 1.750 OPS with a double and two walks, driving in one run. Golas added two hits and an RBI while stealing a base. On the mound, Reese Twiggs pitched a complete game, securing the win with four strikeouts while allowing only two earned runs.
The Moccasins will face the Tars again on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. at Chris Bellotto Field in Lakeland, Florida.
