LAKELAND, Fla. - The Southeastern softball team split their doubleheader against the University of the Cumberlands this Friday afternoon. The Fire defeated the Patriots 5-0 in the opening contest, however they fell to the competition 4-3 in game two.
GAME ONE:
To start the afternoon, sophomore pitcher Peyton Varela retired the Patriots in order, bringing Sam Holcomb to the plate who reached on a walk. A sacrifice bunt by Hannah Bonner and fly out from Bailee Moll aided Holcomb to third base. Then, a two-out RBI single to left field from Varela brought home Holcomb and put SEU on the board 1-0.
Leading off for the Fire in the bottom of the second was Lauren Watters, who singled up the middle. Junior Madison Williams entered the game pinch running and soon after stole second base, putting the Fire in scoring position.
Southeastern extended their lead to two, thanks to an RBI down the left field line from Ramsey Sullivan. The junior catcher was 2-2 on the day with two RBIs.
At the top of the third, Varela retired the side with her second 1-2-3 inning of the game. In the bottom of the frame, SEU would score two more runs.
Senior third-basemen Moll led off for Southeastern, hitting her fourth home run of the season. The Fire have recorded seven home runs on the season, Moll is responsible for four.
Pinch runner Hannah Federico advanced the Fire's lead to four as a couple of miscues from the Patriots' defense assisted the freshman to cross home plate.
In the top of the fourth, Varela worked out of a bases loaded jam to keep Cumberlands quiet. Then at the bottom of the inning, offensively Varela earned her second RBI of the game as she hit a ground out bringing Holcomb home and ending the game with a 5-0 victory.
Right-handed pitcher Varela had an outstanding offensive and defensive game. Offensively, the sophomore was 1-3 with two RBIs and one walk. Defensively, the Cleveland State-transfer earned her third win of the season as she pitched six innings, recording three strikeouts and only allowing three hits.
GAME TWO:
Freshman right-handed pitcher Megan Froehlich started game two of the doubleheader with a 1-2-3 inning. Through three innings of play, both teams remained scoreless.
In the top half of the fourth, Cumberlands brought in three runs to take a 3-0 lead over Southeastern.
A single from pinch hitter Erica Stahl and defensive throwing error from the Patriots helped Kaley Sarasty cross home plate, putting SEU on the board 3-1.
At the bottom of the fifth frame, an RBI single from shortstop Sarasty and RBI double from catcher Lauren Arnett extended the Fire's lead by two.
Heading into the sixth, the game was tied 3-3. The Patriots retook the lead and ended the game with a 4-3 victory thanks to an RBI double to left center field.
Southeastern will be back in action tomorrow as they open up Sun Conference play against St. Thomas in Miami Gardens, Fla. Game times are scheduled for 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
