STATESBORO, Ga. – Jacksonville University's softball team struck early and relied on solid pitching and defense to do the rest in its 3-0 victory at Georgia Southern Wednesday. The midweek doubleheader began with a 3-2 setback against the Eagles.
Despite late heroics where Allie McCourt tied the opening ballgame at 2-2 in the top of the sixth, Georgia Southern walked away with the decision by scoring a run in the home half of the inning.
The Eagles grounded into a double play – pitcher to shortstop to first baseman to third baseman – to conclude the frame but tacked on the go-ahead run right before the action commenced.
Jacksonville was outhit, 6-1, heading into the sixth before back-to-back singles, a leadoff hit by Heather Roberts and a one-bagger up the middle from Emily Sanchez, led to the team's first run. McCourt later brought Katarina Waldrop home after singling through the right side.
The momentum and hitting success of game one immediately propelled the Dolphins forward in game two. Victoria Brown's two-RBI homer over the centerfield wall and McCourt's sacrifice-bunt settled the final score at 3-0 in the first inning. However, both squads had plenty of chances to put a few more runs on the board. Jacksonville loaded the bases in the sixth while the Eagles finished the game with a total of eight runners left on base.
Taylor Rossman picked up the win in the complete game. She allowed four hits in her first shutout success of the season.
Jacksonville continues its road swing with a single game at No. 11 Florida State Wednesday at 6 p.m. before returning to Atlantic Sun play in a three-game series at USC Upstate.
