LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern College (4-13) dominated Wheeling University (3-9) in a doubleheader at Chris Bellotto Field, claiming a commanding 9-2 victory in the first game and following it up with a solid 3-0 win in the second game.
FLORIDA SOUTHERN 9, WHEELING 2
In the first game, the Moccasins' offense shone brightly with a four-run third inning and a three-run fourth, while their defense remained flawless, committing no errors. Wheeling struck first in the second inning with a two-run homer by Priscilla Villarreal, but Florida Southern quickly responded when
Cam Nolte hit an RBI single, cutting the deficit to 2-1 by the inning's end. The third inning saw Florida Southern take control as
Gigi Polanco crossed the plate on a single by
Hannah Lewis, who advanced on a throwing error. Lewis then scored on a groundout by
Kate Mikle.
Keira Morris stepped up, adding two more runs with a single, putting the Mocs ahead 5-2 by the end of the third.
The Mocs extended their lead in the fourth inning as Lewis smashed a two-run triple, followed by a sacrifice fly from Mikle, pushing the score to 8-2. In the sixth inning,
Gabby Young doubled and scored on a single by Mikle, sealing the 9-2 lead for Florida Southern. Lewis had a standout performance with two hits, including a triple, and three RBIs.
Des Aitken pitched a complete game, allowing two earned runs over seven innings while striking out two. Young scored twice and added a double and a walk, while Mikle contributed with one hit and three RBIs, including a key sacrifice fly.
Aitken's complete game included 7 innings pitched, allowing 2 earned runs on 10 hits. Facing 32 batters, Aitken delivered 93 pitches with 69 strikes, and notched 2 strikeouts. Despite the home run allowed, Aitken remained composed with just 1 walk, improving to a 2-1 record on the season. For Wheeling, Grace Mummery stood out with a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, boasting a 2.000 OPS. Villarreal made her mark with a home run and two RBIs, achieving an OPS of 1.667. Mackenzie Burns added two hits and an impressive 1.417 OPS, alongside drawing a walk. Emili Blackie contributed with two hits and one run scored, posting a 1.000 OPS.
FLORIDA SOUTHERN 3, WHEELING 0
In the second game, Florida Southern set the tone early, scoring in the first inning and adding two more in the third, while holding the Cardinals to seven hits. The action began when
Gigi Polanco singled up the middle, swiftly stole second, and advanced to third on a groundout.
Hannah Lewis then delivered a clutch single to center field, bringing Polanco home and giving FSC an early 1-0 edge. In the third inning, Florida Southern widened their lead. Lewis, once again proving formidable, singled up the middle and was driven home by
Kate Mikle's double down the right field line, which saw Mikle advance to third.
Keira Morris then stepped up with a single through the left side, allowing Mikle to cross home plate. By the end of the third, the Mocs had secured a 3-0 lead.
The score remained unchanged through the remainder of the game as FSC clinched the win at 3-0. Polanco was outstanding on the bases, swiping two bags and contributing defensively with nine assists at shortstop. Lewis was the offensive standout with a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate and an RBI. Mikle put in a solid shift with two hits, including a double, and an RBI.
Natalie Snowden was the star on the mound, pitching a complete game shutout, allowing only seven hits and striking out two over seven innings.
Snowden's precise control was key, facing 31 batters with 100 pitches—62 strikes—showcasing her command and earning a WHIP of 1.29. Grace Mummery shone defensively with four assists at second base. Keke Warrix was impactful as well, with two hits and three assists while playing shortstop. Priscilla Villarreal made her mark with a hit and got on base with a hit-by-pitch, boosting her OPS to 1.167. Maria Clark also delivered in the circle, conceding just two hits and one walk over 3 2/3 innings, with an impressive WHIP of 0.94.
Looking ahead, Florida Southern is set to face Southwest Minnesota State next, with the game scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, at 5 p.m. ET at Chris Bellotto Field in Lakeland, Florida.
