Softball Splits Doubleheader at FGCU

Tuesday, March 10

Fort Myers, Fla

5 PM

Florida Atlantic

7-14

Florida Gulf Coast

19-7

FAU

FGCU

Photo by: JC Ridley/Owlpix.com

3/10/2020 11:28:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic University softball team (8-14) went 1-1 on Tuesday evening, facing the FGCU Eagles in a non-conference doubleheader. FAU dropped game one 7-3, but bounced back from a 3-0 deficit, in game two, to defeat the Eagles 10-6.

How It Was Decided

Game 1

The Owls got out to a quick start by loading the bases on a Jolie Duffner walk, a Claire Blount single and error by FGCU, but that is where the runners were left. The Eagles responded with a triple, two RBI singles and a bases-loaded walk to take an early 3-0 lead
In the bottom of the second, Riley Ennis led off with her first collegiate hit, a single to left field, but she too was left stranded. The Eagles added two more in the bottom frame to increase their lead to 5-0
The top of the fourth saw Danielle Bieberle make use of her speed to travel the bases after her single, pulling the Owls within four at 5-1
In the circle, Blount drew the start but gave way to Kara Lokeinsky after just 0.2 innings of work. Lokeinsky pitched 4.1 innings, including two scoreless, before Ashley Stephenson was called on. Stephenson recorded her first collegiate strikeout but saw the Eagles plate two and take a 7-1 lead
In typical FAU fashion, the Owls rallied in the top of the seventh behind singles by Bailey Story and Duffner. With the duo on first and second, Myah Murray belted a two-RBI double to to left for the game's 7-3 final

Game 2

Game two began differently for the Owls and Eagles with all eyes focused on control from the circle. The scoreless battle remained scoreless through two with Abigail Morgan ending the bottom, with runners on first and second, with a strikeout
The first hit comes in as a bunt from Sami Williams who used her speed to outrun the Eagles' defense to first base. Williams steals second for her first stole base of the year, but would be left in scoring position
The Eagles' first hit was an RBI single. FGCU tried to mimic the Owls' speed, however FAU's Rachel Tarpley threw out a would-be basestealer. The inning would end with FGCU taking a 2-0 lead
The top of the fourth began with a leadoff single by Duffner, but the senior would once again be left on base. In the bottom of the fourth, the Eagles capitalized on an FAU error and a sac fly to make it 3-0.
Fayth Davis pulled withe Owls within one at 3-2 on a bases-loaded, two-RBI single and FAU continued the rally with back-to-back-to-back singles by Duffner, Caryssa Orland and Ennis to move ahead for the first time at 5-3, after five innings of play
Davis got a second rally of the game going with her second single sparking five additional Owl runs in the sixth
In the final inning, the Owls' Ebert lead off with a single to second base, followed by Davis' third hit of the day, this time down the leftfield line. The Eagles kept FAU from scoring in the final frame and mounted a rally of their own capped with a three-run homer to pull within four at 10-6, which is where the game ended

Notables

Game 1

Duffner led the way going 2-for-3 with a run scored
Murray went 1-for-4, with two RBI and a double
In the circle, Lokeinsky pitched 4.1 innings allowing six hits. Stephenson came in relief, pitching a complete inning, earning her first strikeout and allowing just one hit

Game 2

Davis was 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored
Duffner, Orland, and Ennis were 2-for-4 each while Duffner drove in one, Orland plated two and Ennis had three RBI
Behind the plate, Tarpley caught one would-be basestealer, had a double and two RBI
Morgan earned the win after six innings of work. The right-hander struck out five and improved to 3-2 on the year
Lynn Gardner pitched the game's final inning, allowing three hits and striking out two

The Word

With Riley Ennis
"After our first game, we took what we struggled with a let that blow under us," said Ennis. "We did the best we could in that second game to score more runs, take advantage and be ahead in every way possible. Our pitchers did great, the defense backed the pitchers up in every. We communicated and our bats were on fire with 13 hits and 10 runs that was awesome."

What's Next

The Owls will host their first Conference USA contests of the 2020 season when Southern Miss comes to Boca Raton for a three-game series Friday through Sunday. First pitch Friday is slated for 6 p.m. while the two teams will play at 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. For tickets call 1-866-FAU-OWLS or you may purchase at the gate.

Follow the Owls

For live updates during all of the Owls' games and for other FAU softball news, follow along on Twitter (@fauowlssoftball), Instagram (@Owls_softball) and Facebook.