Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern University softball team (10-13) won both games of a doubleheader Thursday over the St. Thomas Bobcats at home, 9-1 (6 inn.) and 7-5.
 
GAME ONE
The Sharks scored early and controlled the entire first game, which ended in the bottom of the sixth. Seniors Katrina Ammons (Jacksonville, Fla.) and Maegan Lee (Miami, Fla.) each went 3-for-3 with two runs apiece. Ammons had two RBI while Lee recorded one. Dakota Villella (So., Hollywood, Fla.) went 2-for-2 with a team-best three runs scored.
 
The Sharks built the foundation of the win in the opening inning, scoring four runs. Villella and Ammons started the rally and reached scoring position on a trio of stolen bases. Rebecca Thornton (So., Lodi, Calif.) drove both home with a double to left centerfield. Lee pushed Thornton to third with a single through the left side before Matautia brought both home to put NSU up four.
 
St. Thomas scored a run in the top of the second and the Sharks returned serve in the bottom of the frame. Lorena Spaulding (Sr., Pembroke Pines, Fla.) hit a one-out single and later scored on a RBI single through the right side. In the third, NSU stretched its lead when Lee singled and eventually scored on a wild pitch.
 
In the fourth inning, Villella and Ammons once again reached base to begin a multiple run rally. With Villella on third, Thornton laid down a sacrifice RBI bunt. Lee followed with another single to score Ammons. Finally in the sixth, Villella led off with a triple, sending a line drive over the left fielder playing shallow. Ammons immediately drove her in with a single up the middle, invoking the Eight-Run Rule.
 
Thornton (8-5) earned three RBI and was dominant in the circle. She pitched all six innings and held the Bobcats to three hits without giving up an earned run. She also registered two strikeouts.
 
GAME TWO
While the Sharks completed game one with steady efficiency, game two would be a back and forth struggle. NSU struck first again, but would have to battle from behind late to earn the win, scoring four runs in the fifth. Thornton again had three RBI, while Ammons had one with two runs scored.
 
NSU posted a trio of runs in the first to take the early lead. Spaulding, Villella and Ammons all reached base to lead off the inning, with Ammons driving home Spaulding on a single up the middle. The other two base runners would be driven home on a triple from Te Reo Powhiri Matautia (Jr., Auckland, New Zealand).
 
NSU posted three straight scoreless and hitless frames, while the Bobcats roared back with a four-run third inning. Down a run in the fifth, NSU recaptured the lead and took control of the game. Shelby Cogan (Sr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), Brenisha Bannister (Fr., Plantation, Fla.) and Spaulding loaded the bases to leadoff the frame. Villella followed with a sacrifice fly to centerfield before Ammons walked to reload the bases. On the first pitch she saw, Thornton brought them all home on a triple down the left field line. Her six RBI day brought her total to 12 on the year, the second best mark on the team.
 
The Sharks gave up a run in the sixth but retired the final four batters of the game to secure the team's 10^th win. Lee (1-3) pitched 2.2 innings of relief and earned her first win of the season. Thornton retired the final four batters to earn her first save of 2015.
 
The Sharks will return on Friday, March 20 to host the Saint Leo Lions at 6 p.m.