ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — In a Friday evening showdown, Florida Southern College (7-18, 1-8 SSC) took on Eckerd College (18-6, 8-2 SSC) in the Sunshine State Conference series opener and came up short with a final score of 4-1. The Moccasins tallied four hits, including a double, but couldn't get past the Tritons' two home run power plays.
Eckerd jumped ahead in the first inning. Ella Coiner tripled to center, bringing in Hannah Taylor. Jazz Jones followed up with a single, allowing Coiner to score. By the end of the first, Eckerd led 2-0.
The Moccasins rallied in the fourth.
Gabby Young singled and advanced on a groundout.
Kate Mikle then hammered a double, pushing Young to third—though Young was tagged out at home.
Zoe Thornsbury kept the momentum going with a single that brought Mikle home. The inning wrapped with Eckerd still leading 2-1.
In the fifth, Eckerd's Coiner and Faith Wharton each hit solo homers, extending their lead to 4-1.
Despite the Mocs' efforts, Eckerd clinched a 4-1 victory. Mikle's performance was a highlight, with her double and run scored in three at-bats. Thornsbury chipped in with a hit and an RBI. Young also recorded a hit in her three at-bats, showcasing her consistent skill.Â
On the mound,
Des Aitken pitched a full game, clocking in 6 innings with 89 pitches. Aitken allowed six hits and four earned runs, with two walks and two strikeouts. Despite the challenge of two home runs, Aitken maintained a WHIP of 1.33 over 27 batters, bringing her record to 4-4 for the season.
For the Tritons, Coiner was the standout, delivering a triple, a home run, two runs, and two RBIs, while also notching five assists in the field. Wharton added her own homer and RBI. Brandilyn Reymer shone from the mound, pitching a complete game, striking out seven, and giving up only four hits and one earned run.
The Mocs gear up to face Eckerd again on Saturday, March 21, at 1 p.m. ET at the Turley Athletic Complex in St. Petersburg, Florida.
