Owls Pickup Win in Paradise Finale

Sunday, February 12

Boca Raton, Fla.

2 p.m.

Florida Atlantic

3-2

Bethune-Cookman

Florida Atlantic

2/12/2023 6:55:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic University captured the 2023 Paradise Classic finale out-dueling the visiting Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 5-3, concluding the four-day, six team, 15-game event.

The Owls, who move to 2-2 on the season, saw Bethune tie the game twice before they could claim it as their own.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Senior Sara Berthiaume moved into the leadoff spot for the first time in 2023 and completed the move by belting a single to left to open the game, and was later driven in by Riley Olson. FAU held that 1-0 lead until the top of the fourth when the Wildcats hit a two-out homer to left.

The Owls responded in the bottom half of the inning, plating two runs, but that 3-1 lead would last only until the next frame when BCU scored their final two runs of the game and tied FAU at three.

FAU regained the lead at 4-3 in the bottom of the fifth and added an assurance run in the six for a 5-3 advantage, but saw Bethune threaten in the top of the seventh, before FAU senior Lynn Gardner came in to shut down the pesky BCU offense.

NOTES/STATS

Berthiaume was 2-for-4 on the day with two runs score and an RBI
First baseman Zoey Jones also had a multiple hit game with a 2-for-3 day
Ainsley Lambert started the game for FAU and earned the win after five innings of work. She gave up five hits and three earned runs
Gabby Sacco tossed one inning, giving up a hit and walking one
Lynn Gardner recorded the game's final three outs to earn FAU's first save of 2023

NEXT UP

The Owls will travel to Fort Myers, Florida playing in their first road tournament under head coach Jordan Clark's direction, with games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday versus Lipscomb, Boston College and host FGCU.

TICKETS

Fans may purchase tickets online or at FAU's softball stadium

FOLLOW THE OWLS

For the Owls' complete schedule, click HERE. To follow the team socially, visit @fausoftball, or for the most up-to-date information go to www.fausports.com.