LAKELAND, Fla. — In a nail-biter at Chris Bellotto Field, Florida Southern (7-15, 1-7 SSC) fell just short against Barry University (16-14, 7-2 SSC), with a final score of 2-1 on Saturday to end the series.
Des Aitken stood out on the mound for Florida Southern, tossing a complete game and yielding just two earned runs over seven innings.
The Moccasins hit the scoreboard first in the third inning.
Emma Lucchesi got things rolling with a single and later crossed home plate thanks to
Gabby Young's clutch single. By the end of the inning, Florida Southern held a 1-0 lead.
Barry University answered back in the sixth inning. Serah Shafer singled, stole second, and then Chandler Barry's double brought Shafer in. A sacrifice fly from Isabel Vera Martinez allowed Chandler Barry to score, putting Barry ahead 2-1.
Despite a strong effort, Florida Southern couldn't reclaim the lead, finishing the game with Barry on top, 2-1.
Young was a standout for the Moccasins, notching two hits, an RBI, and swiping a base. Aitken, while expertly managing the game on the mound, also showed her speed on the bases by stealing two.
Zoe Thornsbury reached base twice, adding a hit and a walk to her name. Lucchesi contributed with a hit, a run, and a stolen base.
Nei Nei De Jesus added to the effort with a sacrifice bunt to move a runner into scoring position while contributing defensively behind the plate.
Aitken's complete game was a masterclass in control, as she didn't allow any walks over her 7 innings. Facing 29 batters, she gave up 7 hits and 2 earned runs, striking out 2. Out of her 92 pitches, 67 were strikes, achieving a WHIP of 1.00. Despite allowing 2 doubles, Aitken skillfully managed fly ball outs, recording 14 in total.
Looking ahead, Florida Southern College is set to host Hillsdale for a doubleheader on Wednesday, March 18, at 5 p.m. at Chris Bellotto Field in Lakeland, Florida.
