FAU Threatens, Falls 4-2 to MT

Sunday, April 25

Boca Raton, Fla.

1 PM

Florida Atlantic

11-28, 0

Middle Tennessee

23-20, 0

Middle Tennessee

Florida Atlantic

4/25/2021 4:33:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

Gallery: (4-25-2021) Senior Day 2021

BOCA RATON, Fla. – There were exciting moments in Sunday's softball game between Florida Atlantic University and fellow Conference USA member Middle Tennessee. Unfortunately for the Owls those moments were defensive gems, but the defensive efforts were not enough in the 4-2 loss to visiting MT.

How it Happened

FAU (11-28, 6-10 C-USA) left-handed hurler Lynn Gardner drew her third start in as many days and appeared in her fourth game. The Mobile, Alabama native opened the game with two scoreless innings. MT (23-20, 8-7) led off the third with a single and then hit three consecutive one-out singles to score two before the Owls could erase the bases loaded threat with a double play.

FAU responded in the bottom of the frame with a single by leadoff hitter Kaitlyn Cunningham. Sara Berthiaume followed with her seventh double of the season, scoring the speedy Cunningham from first. But the Owls' threat would end there.

Gardner returned to the mound in the fourth but didn't have the same zeal as she offered the first three games of the four-game series. MT added two more runs and Gardner gave way to Kara Lokeinsky, who pitched scoreless softball over the final three frames. It was the senior's ninth appearance, of 15, that she has not surrendered an earned run.

The Owls mounted a threat in the bottom of the sixth, following a MT error fielding a bunt that put Fayth Davis on second. She moved to third on a sacrifice and then trotted home on a single by third baseman Myah Murray. FAU was unable to further close the gap, falling 4-2.

Joyce's Take

"We had a chance today to win the series," said Joan Joyce, FAU's head coach. "We played hard. It was a little hot and I think that took its toll on Lynn because she has had to go three games the last two weekends. We put people on base, but we can't come up with the timely hits when we have baserunners."

Statistically

Cunningham proved her worth as the Owls' leadoff hitter with a 3-for-4 plate performance and she scored one of the Owls' two runs
Bethiaume, who follows Cunningham in the order, was 2-for-4 with a double and one of the Owls' two RBI
Murray was 2-for-3 with the Owls final RBI
Senior catcher Kaitlyn Burke was 1-for-4 in her final game at home.
Gardner tossed four innings, gave up four earned runs and struck out one
Lokeinsky worked the final three scoreless frames giving up just two hits

What's Next

FAU will conclude their 2021 regular season on the road. The Owls will travel to Jacksonville for dobuleheaders at UNF and Jacksonville this Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. To follow the team socially, visit @fausoftball or for the most up-to-date information go to www.fausports.com.