LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern College (1-8, 0-3 SSC) faced a tough doubleheader against Rollins College (7-2, 3-0 SSC) on Saturday at Chris Bellotto Field, suffering a 13-5 loss in six innings in the first game followed by a 5-1 defeat in the second.
FLORIDA SOUTHERN 5, ROLLINS 13
In game one, the Mocs showcased some offensive sparks, tallying seven hits and five runs, highlighted by a standout three-run rally in the fourth inning. Rollins jumped to an early lead with Madison Carr's double and Isabella Golas's single driving in two runs in the first inning, putting the Tars up 2-0. The second inning saw Rollins extend their advantage with a five-run surge, including a three-run homer from Cambrie Todd. Defensive errors from Florida Southern contributed to unearned runs, leaving the Mocs trailing 7-0 after two innings.
Florida Southern began to chip away in the third. After
Ella Torres walked,
Des Aitken advanced as a pinch runner on an error, setting the stage for
Kelly Keating's two-RBI single to right, ending the inning with Rollins leading 7-2. The fourth inning brought more action for the Mocs, as
Gigi Polanco walked, and
Keira Morris hit a double. Aitken then singled to bring Polanco home, and a clutch single from
Kate Mikle scored two more, closing the gap to 7-5. However, Rollins added another run in the fifth due to an error, pushing their lead to 8-5, and then pulled away in the sixth with five more runs, concluding the game with a final score of 13-5.
Mikle contributed two RBIs and a hit, while Aitken crossed the plate twice and added a stolen base. Torres pitched 2 1/3 innings without surrendering a hit, also recording an RBI and a hit. Keating wrapped up the game with two RBIs and a hit, sparking the Mocs' offense.
Amanda Lieberman had a spotless stint, pitching 2/3 inning without a hit or earned run, while
Shelby Savitt faced challenges over 1 1/3 innings, allowing five hits and three earned runs.
FLORIDA SOUTHERN 1, ROLLINS COLLEGE 5
In game two, Florida Southern managed eight hits but could only bring one run across the plate. The Mocs took an early lead in the fourth inning when
Hanna Lewis scored on a double by
Nei Nei De Jesus, putting Florida Southern up 1-0. However, the tide turned in the fifth as Rollins capitalized on a throwing error to score two runs, shifting the score to 2-1 in favor of the Tars. In the seventh inning, Rollins extended their lead with three additional runs, highlighted by an RBI double from Rachel Matthiesen, wrapping up the game with a 5-1 final score.
Polanco had a solid day at the plate, recording two hits in her four at-bats. Torres pitched six innings, allowing nine hits and just one earned run while striking out one. Aitken started on the mound for Florida Southern, pitching 2/3 of an inning and giving up three hits, resulting in two earned runs.
Natalie Snowden came in for relief, striking out the only batter she faced and allowing no hits or walks.
Rollins' Matthiesen was a standout in the second game, notching three hits and driving in two runs. Carr contributed with two doubles and an RBI, while pitcher Reese Twiggs threw a complete game, allowing just one earned run over seven innings and striking out two.
Up next, Florida Southern will take on Florida Tech on Friday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. ET at Nancy Bottge Field in Melbourne, Florida.
