Palatka, FL- The Saints hit the road to today to face conference opponent St. Johns River State College in a doubleheader. The Saints won the first game 5-4 with late-game heriocs, but dropped Game 2 with a score of 12-11. The Saints are now 4-2 on the season.

How It Happened:

Game 1

The game started off with strong defense by both teams. Although the Saints started the game with their first two batters walking, the Vikings firmed up their defense and shut down the next three batters with a strikeout and two fielder's choice outs. Likewise, in the bottom of the first inning, the Saints walked the first batter, but then shut down the Vikings' next three attempts at the plate.

The Vikings were the first to score after hits by Alyssa Vallad, Princess Arredondo and Gemma Fusco in the second inning.

The Saints responded quickly as Karris Rhine homered to center field, tying the score at 1-1. Juliann Smith doubled on a line drive to center field and scored Alexis Daphney as the Saints took the lead.

In the top of the seventh inning, the Saints regained the lead 4-3 after Cloey O'Doniel doubled on a line drive to center. Juliann Smith also came in to score, making it 5-3. 

The Vikings fought hard in the seventh inning as they would score another run after tagging up, but the Saints would not allow them to score again. The Saints won Game 1 5-4.

Game 2

A fast start characterized the start for Santa Fe as they quickly climbed to a 6-0 lead in the top of the second inning after doubles by Karris Rhine, Sydney Fowler, and Ariana Wright. 

In come back fashion, the Vikings scored six runs in the bottom of the second inning.    

Sydney Fowler hit another double to put the Saints up again in the third inning. After a series of runs by the Vikings gave them back the lead 10-7 in the sixth inning, Karris Rhine and Ariana Wright each hit home runs to close the gap to 11-9.  

The Vikings respond with another run by Arredondo in the seventh inning. Gabrial Miles then hit a two-run homer, making the score 12-11 with one out on the board. In the end, the Vikings were able to hang on to the lead, winning with the final score of 12-11.

Comments From Coach Savanah:

"This was a hard fought doubleheader. It was great to see the bats come alive and timeley hitting with a lot of good offensive output."

Up Next:

The Saints will travel to the state capital to face Tallahassee Community College on Thursday, February 8th at 3PM and 5PM EST.