COLUMBUS, Ga. — Florida Southern faced a tough outing in the Red-White-Blue Classic, falling 4-0 to Wingate in their first matchup and then suffering an 8-0 loss to Columbus State in six inning in the final game of the tournament.
WINGATE 4, FLORIDA SOUTHERN 0
In the contest against Wingate (1-0), Florida Southern (1-2) struggled offensively, managing just three hits and striking out nine times. The game saw Wingate break through in the third inning when Kaylee Hobgood tripled to right center and scored on a Damyia McFadden single, giving them a 1-0 lead. The Mocs had opportunities, including a bases-loaded situation in the fourth inning after
Hannah Lewis walked and
Shelby Savitt singled, but they were unable to capitalize, remaining scoreless.
Wingate extended their lead with a three-run sixth inning. Jillian Thomas' single and a fielding error allowed Lily Huneycutt to score, followed by Kaylee Hobgood with a two-RBI single. Florida Southern made an attempt to rally in the final inning but went down in order, concluding the game at 4-0.
Gigi Polanco led the Mocs with one hit in three at-bats, while
Amanda Lieberman pitched four innings, allowing just one earned run and striking out one. The Mocs' pitching staff combined for 7 innings, allowing 10 hits and 4 runs.
For Wingate, Hobgood excelled with two RBIs and a triple, maintaining an OPS of 2.083, while Thomas pitched a complete game shutout, striking out nine batters and allowing only three hits.
COLUMBUS STATE 8, FLORIDA SOUTHERN 0
In their subsequent game against Columbus State (3-2), Florida Southern (1-3) faced another tough challenge, managing only two hits and striking out six times. The game began promisingly for the Mocs, with Polanco getting a single and
Keira Morris drawing a walk in the first inning, but they couldn't convert their chances.
The Cougars took the lead in the third inning with Abrianna Green scoring after a single from Mary-Catherine Sorrell. Columbus State widened their gap with home runs from Nova Wright and Aubree Ussery in the fourth inning, plus an RBI groundout, making it 4-0. They continued to add to their lead in the fifth and sixth innings, ultimately winning 8-0.
Polanco stood out again for Florida Southern, going 2-for-3 at the plate.
Ella Torres started the game, pitching 3 1/3 innings, and Lieberman provided relief, striking out one in 1 2/3 innings. The Mocs' pitching staff combined for four strikeouts.
Columbus State saw Sorrell excel with three hits and three RBIs, achieving a 1.500 OPS, while Lily Miller commanded the mound with a six-inning shutout, allowing only two hits and striking out six.
Next up for Florida Southern is a matchup against Georgia Southwestern State University on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 1 p.m. at Lady Canes Field in Americus, Georgia.
