Game 1 – USF Cougars Can't Quite Erase 4-Run Deficit

Despite a 4-run deficit in the fifth inning, USF almost came all the way back, eventually falling 7-6 to Ave Maria on Wednesday at USSSA Space Coast Complex. The Cougars closed the gap by scoring on a ground out, a double, and a double. The Cougs were right in it until Ave Maria singled in the sixth inning.

Getting on the board in the top of the first inning, Macie Dowd tripled, and Dani Karr singled, each scoring one run.

Ave Maria tied the game up in the bottom of the first thanks to two doubles and jumped back into the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning after #4 tripled, #13 doubled, #9 hit a sacrifice fly, and #33 homered to left field, each scoring one run. The Cougs tied the game in the top of the sixth thanks to a ground out by Anna Smith, a double by Bree Miller, and a double by Brooklyn McCord.

#8 earned the win for Ave Maria. They allowed nine hits and six runs over six innings, striking out two and walking none. Elle Sauder took the loss for USF. The reliever went two innings, surrendering five runs on nine hits, striking out none and walking none. Mackenzie Rust stepped in the circle first for the Cougars allowing three hits and two runs over four innings, striking out three and walking three.

Karr and McCord each collected two hits for USF. Miller led the team with two runs batted in from the number seven spot in the lineup. The right-handed hitter went 1-for-3 on the day. USF turned one double play in the game, were sure-handed in the field, and didn't commit a single error. Sam Baker had the most chances in the field with three.

Ave Maria piled up 12 hits in the game. #4, #14, #22, and #33 each collected two hits. #4 and #33 each drove in two runs for Ave Maria.

Game 2 - Lawrence Tech Blue Devils Squeaks By US Cougars In Pitchers Duel

Both teams were strong in the circle on Wednesday, but the Lawrence Tech Blue Devils were just a little bit stronger at the plate in their 2-1 victory over the Cougars. Lex Huth started the game for USF and recorded 21 outs. Unfortunately, the Cougs lost despite out-hitting the Lawrence Tech Blue Devils four to three.

Sam Baker, Dani Karr, Bree Miller, and Lena Viggiano each collected one hit. The Cougars were the first to get on the board in the first when Viggiano doubled, scoring one run.

A single by Chloe Hug gave Lawrence Tech the lead, 2-1, in the top of the sixth.

Clover Brandt earned the win for the Blue Devils. The righty surrendered four hits and one run over seven innings, striking out two and walking two. Huth took the loss for the Cougars. The righty went seven innings, surrendering two runs on three hits, striking out four and walking two.

Viggiano went 1-for-2 at the plate as they led the team with one run batted in. Hug, Zoey Markey, and Gloriana Su'a each collected one hit for Lawrence Tech. Hug drove the middle of the lineup, leading the Blue Devils with two runs batted in. The cleanup hitter went 1-for-3 on the day. The Blue Devils were sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Markey made the most plays with seven.

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