LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern College (9-27, 3-17 SSC) faced Palm Beach Atlantic University (15-27, 5-16 SSC) in a doubleheader at Chris Bellotto Field, resulting in two narrow losses: a 6–5 defeat in game one, followed by a 4–3 loss in game two.
FLORIDA SOUTHERN 6, PALM BEACH ATLANTIC 6
In game one, Florida Southern's effort featured three triples but was unable to overcome the Sailfish's early four-run first inning. Palm Beach Atlantic took an early lead, scoring four runs with Marli Szierer singling to bring home Kaitlyn Campbell, followed by Addley Dean scoring on a throwing error, and Bianca Green driving in two runs with a single. The Moccasins quickly responded in the bottom of the first, scoring two runs as
Gabby Young, who was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored on
Hannah Lewis's triple.
Kate Mikle then brought in Lewis with a sacrifice fly, making it 4–2 after the first inning.
The Sailfish extended their lead in the second inning with two more runs—Dean's sacrifice fly scored Dianna Montidoro, and Szierer's double brought Campbell home. Florida Southern managed to score a run in the third, with Young's triple allowing Lewis to ground out and score, narrowing the score to 6–3. The Moccasins continued to chip away in the fifth inning, with
Gigi Polanco scoring on Mikle's fielder's choice, reducing the Sailfish's lead to 6–4. In the sixth,
Brianna Shelley tripled and scored on a throwing error, bringing the game to 6–5. However, neither team scored in the final inning, and Palm Beach Atlantic held on for the victory.
Young recorded two hits, scored twice, added a triple, and stole a base. Lewis had a hit and two RBIs, while Mikle tallied two RBIs. Shelley also contributed with two hits, including a triple.
Natalie Snowden started for the Mocs, pitching 2/3 of an inning with four runs allowed, followed by
Amanda Lieberman, who pitched 5 1/3 innings with two earned runs.
Des Aitken closed the game with one inning of work. For the Sailfish, Szierer led with three hits and two RBIs, while Kaitlyn Campbell scored twice. Rylee Little pitched a complete game, striking out four batters.
FLORIDA SOUTHERN 3, PALM BEACH ATLANTIC 4
In game two, Florida Southern fell to Palm Beach Atlantic with a final score of 4–3. The Sailfish took the lead in the third inning with two runs—Holly Frankl scored on a fielder's choice by Kaitlyn Campbell, and Miranda Rollins scored on a sacrifice fly by Dean. The Moccasins answered with Shelley scoring on a single by Polanco, closing the gap to 2–1.
Palm Beach Atlantic extended their lead in the fifth inning when a fielding error allowed Savanna Lee, a pinch runner for Dean, to score, making it 3–1. Florida Southern narrowed the gap again in the sixth inning, as Mikle scored on a fielder's choice by
Cam Nolte, bringing the score to 3–2. The Sailfish added another run in the seventh when Dianna Montidoro scored on a single by Szierer. Although Polanco hit a ground-rule double and scored on a wild pitch, it wasn't enough, and Palm Beach Atlantic secured the victory.
Polanco recorded two hits, including a double, and drove in one run, while
Shelby Savitt also added two hits and a stolen base.
Ella Torres pitched a complete game for the Moccasins, allowing three earned runs and striking out two batters. Lauren Allen also pitched a complete game for the Sailfish, allowing two earned runs with four strikeouts. Szierer contributed offensively with two hits and one RBI, while Frankl scored a run and added a hit.
Looking ahead, FSC will face Lynn on Friday, April 24, at 6 p.m. in Boca Raton, Florida, aiming for a win on the road.
