Matched up against two NJCAA top 10 teams the Santa Fe Saints came up empty on the first day of the Courtney Miller Invitational Tournament held in Sanford, Fla., losing to Indian River State College 6-5 in eight innings and to Florida Southwestern State College 8-0 Saturday afternoon.

The Saints led most of the way in the opener against NJCAA # 9 IRSC but couldn't hold on as The River scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the eighth to take the win.

Jessica Parsells singled in a run in the first and Dara Gaylard connected for a grand slam home run in the top of the fifth to put SF up 5-0. For Gaylard, inserted as a pinch hitter, it was her team leading fourth home run of the year.

But IRSC (19-0) scored two runs in the fifth and three in the sixth setting up their extra inning win.

Donnie Gobourne (4-5) limited IRSC to five hits but struggled with her control walking 10 batters. Three of those free passes crossed the plate.

Game two was all Buccaneers as FSWS (13-1), ranked third in the nation, scored three runs in the second, three more in the third and two in the fourth to put the game away.

Haley Ellefson (7-1) kept the Saints off balance all game to earn the win.

Jaye Carter and Gobourne had two hits apiece on the day for the Saints.

The Saints (10-8) will face Miami-Dade at 9 am Sunday morning in day two of the tournament and then face another NJCAA top 20 team when they take on Pensacola State College, NJCAA # 19, at 11 am.

For all SF athletics schedules, stats and more visit santafesaints.com.