LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern College swept Southwest Minnesota State in a doubleheader Tuesday at Chris Bellotto Field, winning 5-0 in the opener before securing a 1-0 victory in game two.
FLORIDA SOUTHERN 5, SW MINN ST 0
Des Aitken was the star on the mound for the Moccasins in game one, pitching a complete game while allowing six hits and striking out one batter. The action kicked off in the third inning when Emma Lucchesi reached on a fielding error. Gigi Polanco then smashed an RBI triple to right center, putting the Mocs on the board. Gabby Young kept the momentum going with an RBI single, bringing Polanco home and wrapping up the inning with a 2-0 lead for Florida Southern. In the fifth inning, FSC widened the gap. Lucchesi again reached first on a fielding error, followed by Polanco's double. Young's single drove in another run, and Keira Morris stepped up with a single up the middle, scoring two unearned runs. By the end of the fifth, Florida Southern was up 5-0. Aitken's stellar performance ensured no further scoring from either team, sealing a complete game shutout. Aitken scattered six hits over seven innings, striking out one and maintaining control with a WHIP of 1.00. This win lifted Aitken's season record to 3-1.
Polanco shone with two hits, including a double and a triple, crossing the plate twice and driving in a run. Young added two hits and two RBIs to the team's effort, while Morris chipped in with a hit and two RBIs, delivering when it mattered most.
On the opposing side, Ramsey Hopp pitched a complete game for the Mustangs, allowing just one earned run over six innings. Hopp also made her mark offensively with a perfect 1.000 OPS. Grace Anderson delivered solid work behind the plate, recording a hit and a .667 OPS, along with an assist. Paris Van Dyke contributed in right field with a hit and an error-induced base, resulting in a .667 OPS. Carley Stych posted a 1.000 OPS with a hit in two at-bats and three defensive assists from third base.
FLORIDA SOUTHERN 1, SW MINN ST 0
In the second game,
Natalie Snowden was the star of the show, pitching a complete-game shutout. She allowed just two hits and struck out one batter over seven innings. The decisive moment came in the third inning. Polanco smashed a double to left center, setting the stage for Young. Young then singled to center field, driving in Polanco from second. Although Young was tagged out trying to stretch it to third, her RBI secured the lead for Florida Southern. After the third, the score stayed locked at 1-0. Snowden and the Florida Southern defense held firm throughout the game. Snowden's performance was a masterclass in control, allowing only two hits with no walks over seven innings. The final result was a 1-0 victory for Florida Southern.
Snowden showcased her dominance, using only 69 pitches—50 of which were strikes—resulting in a stellar WHIP of 0.29. This marked her second win of the season, as she faced 24 batters with unwavering control. Polanco made her mark both at the plate and in the field, hitting a double, scoring a run, and tallying four assists at shortstop.
Shelby Savitt also shined defensively at third base with four assists. Young's RBI single was crucial to the offensive effort.
Southwest Minnesota State had standout performances too. Pitcher Jordyn Marsh threw a complete game, conceding just two hits over six innings with five strikeouts and no walks. Aliza Acker made an impact with a leadoff double, finishing 1-for-3 with an OPS of 1.000. In the outfield, Kennah Bretschneider also recorded a 1.000 OPS, securing a hit and reaching base on a fielding error. These players were key in both offensive and defensive plays.
Up next, Florida Southern will host Barry to start a three-game series on Friday, March 13, at 7 p.m. at Chris Bellotto Field in Lakeland, Florida.
