March 28, 2021
Softball Knocks off No. 3 College of Central Florida, Earns Split
College of Central Florida
0-0
15
Santa Fe College
0-0
7
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
3 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 15 | 15 | 5 |
|
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 9 | 6 |
College of Central Florida
0-0
1
Santa Fe College
0-0
2
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
|
|
0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | X | 2 | 4 | 0 |
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - In a battle of the top two teams in the Mid-Florida Conference standings, Santa Fe softball went toe-to-toe with No. 3 College of Central Florida and earned a split, winning game two by a 2-1 score.
It was the third win this season for Santa Fe over a ranked opponent, with the Saints also beating No. 2 Indian River State College 8-0 on Feb. 20 and No. 16 Seminole State College 8-3 on March 20.
GAME 1 – CF 15, SF 7
In a game that was resumed after a previous postponement due to weather, SF trailed 10-0 in the third inning when the game started up once again.
The Saints trailed 13-0 after the top of the fifth inning, but the bats came alive in the bottom half to extend the game and draw to within eight runs.
Santa Fe put six on the board to bring the score to 13-6. Story Giebeig had an RBI fielder's choice, and was followed by Cris'Deona Beasley's two-out RBI single. Ashlyn Rogers belted a three-run home run to center field, and the sixth run came on an RBI single from Jayelyn Carter.
Neely Peterson had a solo home run in the sixth, and the Patriots tallied the game's final two runs in the seventh for the 15-7 score.
Although the Saints were unable to make an improbable comeback from the large deficit, the offensive production made a positive impact headed into Game 2 on the home field.
Key Statistics
Taylor Barrett, who didn't throw Sunday, was charged with the loss. Morgan Lebeda was in the circle and threw all four innings on the day, conceding four unearned runs.
Peterson and Rogers continued to be long ball threats with a home run apiece, and Rogers' drove in three.
Peterson and Shaela Bybee each had two hits to lead the lineup.
GAME 2 - SF 2, CF 1
All of the game's runs came in the fourth inning, in a game that proved to be a pitcher's duel.
The Patriots brought a run across in the top half of the fourth with an RBI single off the Saints' starter Beasley.
The Saints responded in their next at-bats, starting with a single from Madison Dixon. Peterson stepped to the plate, and connected on another home run to left field on a 2-1 count, putting SF in front 2-1.
The Patriots brought the potential tying run to second base in both the fifth and seventh inning, but Beasley and the defense were sound to preserve the victory.
Key Statistics
Beasley had a phenomenal day in the circle, holding the high-powered Patriots to just the single run in the complete game performance. Beasley's win was her ninth of the season, as she allowed just seven hits and one walk while striking out five batters.
The Saints were held to just four hits in Game 2, with two from Peterson, including her go-ahead, two-run home run. It was the second homer of the day for the catcher and her team-leading seventh of the season. Beasley and Dixon each had singles.
Fico's Focus
"Cris'Deona Beasley was lights out in the circle today!" said Head Coach Lindsay Fico. "She is a true competitor and wants the ball in pressure situations. We carried the momentum from the end of the first game to the second game and fought hard until the end. Our focus and energy was the best it's been this season. Our lineup continues to produce in timely situations. Our bench continues to be the difference maker in games like today."
"Neely Peterson had a great day both in the box and behind the plate. She came in clutch with her two run homer! She also manages a game behind the plate with ease and keeps runners honest on the base paths."
Up Next
Santa Fe (19-10, 9-3 MFC) is currently just a game behind the Patriots in the Mid-Florida Conference standings, and now prepares for a home nonconference doubleheader on Thursday, April 1 with Pasco-Hernando State College. Game 1 will start at 2:00 p.m.