Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2
AVE MARIA, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern University Sharks' softball team (1-1) opened the 2014 season with a strong end in their opening doubleheader against Ave Maria (1-1).
After falling in game one, 2-1, the Sharks rebounded with a 6-0 victory in the nightcap behind a stellar pitching performance from Erika Garcia (Sr., Pembroke Pines, Fla.).
Game One
Ave Maria hit back-to-back singles to left field, getting the early 2-0 lead in the first inning. In the top of the fourth, Krista Colburn (Jr., Meade, Colo.) would set up the lone NSU scoring play as she singled, allowing Holly Roberson (Sr., Dunnellton, Fla.) to reach home plate, putting the Sharks in the game at 2-1.
Despite multiple scoring opportunities for the Sharks, Ave Maria held the 2-1 lead for the remaining three innings to take the opener. Jennie Von Doellen (Sr., Hudson Bay, Canada) took the loss despite only allowing three hits, two coming in the first inning.
Colburn was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate in game one, while Lorena Spaulding (Jr., Pembroke Pines, Fla.) and Melanie Spicola (Jr., Umatilla, Fla.) each had two hits.
Game Two
The Sharks got on the plate first in the fourth inning, as Garcia and Gina Bondarenko (Sr., Pembroke Pines, Fla.) would notch back-to-back singles to centerfield. With Shelby Cogan (Jr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) pinch running for Garcia at second and Bondarenko at first, Katrina Ammons (Fr., Jacksonville,Fla.) would blast the Sharks' first home run of the season, pushing the team ahead 3-0.
In the top of the seventh, the Sharks found themselves in scoring position again. Spicola would single to centerfield, and two batters later, Spaulding reached on a play that included two Gyrene errors, giving Spicola time to cross home plate, scoring the Sharks' fourth run of the game.
Then, with Spicola at third, Garcia would come to the plate next and hit the Sharks' second home run of the season, her first, giving the visitors a 6-0 lead.
The Sharks defense held the Gyrenes to no runs for the game, giving the Sharks a shutout first win for the 2014 season. Garcia earned the victory, allowing five hits over five innings, while Rebecca Thornton (Fr., Lodi, Ca.) notched the save with two hitless innings to close it out.
The NSU softball team will return to their home field Sunday, Feb. 2 for a doubleheader against Flagler College.
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