The Jacksonville University softball team went 1-1 on Friday falling to Syracuse 2-0 and then returning to defeat the tournament host team FAU Owls in Boca Raton. 

Dolphin ace Sarah Sigrest’s (11-4) school record of consecutive scoreless innings came to an end in bottom of the sixth inning against Syracuse when she gave up a two run home run.  She had not given up a run in a staggering 45 straight innings up until the hit.  Despite the mistake, Sigrest had a strong performance allowing just two hits while striking out eight. 

The game was a pitcher’s duel as neither team was able to register a hit until the fifth inning.  Syracuse was able to break through and get a two out double, but Sigrest struck out the next batter to end the inning.

The Orange’s Jenna Caira stifled the JU offense all game long allowing just three hits while striking out nine Dolphin batters. 

JU had its most success at the plate in the top of the seventh inning.  After two quick outs, freshman Ronnie Gajownik had a pinch hit single into left field.  Melissa Morales followed that up with a single through the left side of the infield leaving JU with runners on first and second.  The Dolphin comeback attempt however, was ended as Kayla Ouellet struck out to seal the victory for Syracuse. 

The second game of the afternoon was filled with much more offense as JU had more hits in the explosive third inning than they did the entire previous game.

Junior Dale Townsend (3-2) started on the mound for the Dolphins in the second game and put together a solid performance up until she ran into trouble in the fifth inning.  She went four and a third innings giving up five hits and three runs, but only one of those runs were earned.  Sigrest came on in the fifth with the bases loaded and after allowing a walk, shut down the Owl offense the rest of the game earning her first save of the year.

The Dolphins trailed 2-0 entering the bottom half of the third inning, but they would quickly erase the deficit.  After a fly out to start the inning, JU strung together five consecutive hits.  Ouellet singled and then stole second for one of her two steals on the day bringing her season total 23 in 24 total chances.  Codi Kelly followed that up with a single and steal of her own.  Sarah Simon then hit the third straight single for the Dolphins and advanced all the way to third on a fielding error.  That brought up third baseman Amanda Schmidt who sent a ball over the left field wall for her third home run of the year.  Not to be outdone, Meagan Balding followed up Schmidt's blast with her own for her third home run of the year as well.  When the dust finally settled, JU had scored five runs in the inning taking the lead 5-2.

The five runs proved to be enough for the Dolphins to secure their 16^th win of the year improving their record to 16-11 after the day's action.  JU returns Saturday face each team one more time with the first game scheduled against Syracuse at 10:00 am.