FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Florida Southern College softball (11-31, 5-21 SSC) faced Nova Southeastern University (27-22, 13-14 SSC) in two closely contested games in Sunshine State Conference action, falling 4-2 in the first game on Friday afternoon and 7-1 in the second game later that day.
FLORIDA SOUTHERN 2, NOVA SOUTHEASTERN 4
In the first game, Florida Southern accumulated 11 hits but struggled to capitalize on their opportunities. The Moccasins fell behind early as Nova Southeastern took the lead in the first inning with a Brianna Matthews RBI single, making it 1-0. Matthews struck again in the second inning, extending the lead to 2-0 with another RBI single. FSC responded in the third inning when
Brianna Shelley started with a single, followed by hits from
Gabby Young and
Emma Lucchesi, loading the bases.
Hannah Lewis reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Shelly to score, and
Kate Mikle contributed with an RBI single to level the score at 2-2.
However, NSU regained the lead in the fourth inning with a Matthews RBI single, pushing the score to 3-2, and added an insurance run in the fifth inning on a passed ball, concluding the game at 4-2. Young recorded three hits, including a double, and scored one run, while
Shelby Savitt pitched a complete game, striking out three batters over 6 innings. Despite the effort, Savitt did not earn a decision.
FLORIDA SOUTHERN 1, NOVA SOUTHEASTERN 7
In the second game, the Moccasins managed seven hits but were unable to overcome a challenging four-run first inning from Nova Southeastern. Christina D'Agostino doubled to left field and scored on a triple by Destiny Lewis, followed by an RBI single from Ana Richiez and a two-run homer from Gianna Russo, giving Nova Southeastern a commanding 4-0 lead after one inning. In the third inning, Florida Southern's defensive errors allowed two unearned runs from Emily Garcia's double, and an RBI single from Savanna Isaacson extended the lead to 7-0.
Florida Southern finally broke through in the fourth inning when
Alissa Kessler hit a solo homer to left center, bringing the score to 7-1. Despite opportunities to add to their tally, Florida Southern was unable to score again, and the game concluded with a final score of 7-1. Kessler posted a home run while collecting one RBI and one hit, and Mikle contributed two hits, including one double.
Des Aitken started in the circle for the Moccasins, allowing four earned runs over 2 2/3 innings before
Ella Torres pitched 3 1/3 innings in relief, allowing only two hits.
Gianna Russo led Nova Southeastern with a standout performance, hitting a home run and driving in two runs. Emily Garcia added two RBIs and a double, while Gracelyn Wallace pitched a complete game, securing the win with seven innings pitched, allowing one earned run and recording three strikeouts.
Looking ahead, the Moccasins will face Embry-Riddle on Friday, May 8, at 3 p.m. for a doubleheader at Chris Bellotto Field in Lakeland, Florida.
