(Box Score) (Box Score 2)
LAUDERHILL, Fla. (Feb. 19, 2024) – Florida National University’s softball team (7-4) overpowered the University of Fort Lauderdale Eagles (6-10) for a 12-0 five-inning rout in game one followed by a 3-0 victory in game two. These two wins against Fort Lauderdale extended FNU’s win streak to three, as the Eagles have now lost six of their last seven contests.
In game one, FNU posted three singles in the second, scoring on a hit from Alyssa Songer that advanced Sabrina Castelli safely to home plate. After a three and out for the Eagles, FNU added to their lead in the third on a sacrifice fly from Bianca Bartow that scored Janessa Esquibel to make it a 2-0 Conquistador lead. The Conquistadors once again posted three hits in the frame and held UFTL scoreless despite two singles in the bottom of the third inning.
After a quick and scoreless fourth inning for both teams, FNU produced an impressive 10-run, six-hit fifth frame that ended up helping the Conquistador run rule the Eagles on the road. The Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) Hitter of the Week, Gabi Obando got things started with a two-RBI homer before Sydni Bigelli scored on an error committed by the Eagles pitcher. Things went from bad to catastrophic for the Eagles in a hurry, as FNU racked up another score on a two-RBI double from Madison Sanchez.
Esquibel was the next FNU player to make it safely home after UFTL’s pitcher committed a costly walk with the bases loaded. Obando’s second visit to the batter’s box was just as eventful as her first. The senior hitter posted a double that ran in Yleisha Perez and Alexis Lendo. Before the Eagles could finally end the inning, Bartow’s hit to center scored Obando and Esquibel.
UFTL aimed to avoid the mercy rule in the bottom of the frame, but one quick out and two strikeouts left the Eagles with no other choice but to settle for the 12-0 loss.
In game two, Perez got things started with a triple to lead off the first. She quickly made her way in for the first run of the contest on a wild pitch before three groundouts ended the frame. This would be the lone score of the game until the fourth when FNU posted a two-run, two-hit frame.
Esquibel singled to second before scoring on a double courtesy of Emma Edwards. Edwards would eventually make it home on a passed ball.
FNU held UFTL to no hits until the bottom of the seven when the Eagles had a chance to tie the game but had their dreams shattered on a line out to center field and a one-two-three double play to end the game.
Up Next: Florida National heads to St. Thomas University tomorrow for a 2 p.m. doubleheader.
