
February 9, 2021
Softball Sweeps Doubleheader at Hillsborough Community College
TAMPA, Fla. – With a sweep at Hillsborough Community College on Tuesday evening, Santa Fe softball extended their winning streak to four games and improved to a record of 4-3.
GAME 1 – SF 12, HCC 0 (5 inn.)
The Saints dominated the Hawks in the opener, scoring five runs in the first two innings before breaking it open even more in the five-inning, run-rule victory.
It was the second straight shutout that Santa Fe has pitched, and Cris'Deona Beasley and Morgan Lebeda combined for it, holding the Hawks to just one hit. Beasley started and didn't allow a hit in three innings pitched, striking out five batters. Lebeda then finished the final two frames from the circle, allowing just one hit and three walks while earning three K's.
Eight different players had hits for the Saints, as the Santa Fe bats continued the momentum from their last time out with 13 hits and 10 RBI in total.
At the top of the order, Jayelyn Carter went 3-of-4 with three runs scored from her leadoff spot, while Grace Prom batted second and went 1-of-2 with four runs scored, two walks, and an RBI.
The heart of the order did most of the run producing. Madison Dixon went 2-of-3 with a double, a run scored and three RBI, while Story Giebeig went 2-of-3 with a grand slam in the fourth inning, her second home run of the season. Isabella Santiago was another Saint who had a multi-hit performance, going 2-of-3 with two runs scored.
GAME 2 - SF 4, HCC 2
The Saints struck first in the nightcap in the top of the third inning. In consecutive at-bats, Shaela Bybee reached on an error and Riley Schnyder had a bunt single, bringing runners into scoring position.
Carter then brought Bybee around to score with a single, and a double from Prom scored two more to put the Saints in front 3-0.
The lead grew to 4-0 in the fourth inning when Schnyder's single drove in Calen Hayes.
The run support would prove to be all that starting pitcher Taylor Barrett would need, as the freshman tossed another gem.
The Hawks were stifled by Barrett and held scoreless through the first six innings, as No. 20 allowed just two hits and two walks while striking out 12 to that point in the outing.
Barrett gave way to Lauren Moody in the seventh inning, but after the Hawks were able to produce two runs to make it a 4-2 game, Barrett re-entered with two outs already recorded and the tying run at the plate.
Barrett came through in the clutch and concluded the game with her 13th strikeout, getting the batter to stare at strike three. The 13 strikeouts set a new season-high, and she has now amassed 25 K's in her last two starts.
Santa Fe had five hits to Hillsborough Community College's four in the game. Carter and Schnyder each had two hits, a run scored, and an RBI, while Prom had the lone extra-base knock for two RBI.
Fico's Focus
"In Game 1, Cris'Deona Beasley had another dominant outing in the circle," said Head Coach Lindsay Fico. "Her ability to change speeds in the zone kept them off balance. Story Giebeig had a big day at the plate that included the Grand Slam to put the opener out of reach. Jayelyn Carter continues to be a leader offensively and provides the spark at the top of our lineup day in and day out. Taylor Barrett absolutely dominated the second game. She struck out 13 in the six innings she pitched and allowed just two hits. I was very happy with the team's overall effort and energy the entire day. Our bench did a great job of being ready when their numbers were called."
Up Next
Santa Fe hosts Tallahassee Community College for a doubleheader on Thursday, Feb. 11. Game 1 is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m.