DeLAND, Fla. – Jacksonville University's softball team moved a game above .500 after taking both Atlantic Sun ballgames against Stetson Saturday. Emily Sanchez's two-RBI single cemented the Dolphins' 4-2 extra-inning win in game one before pitcher Paige Curtis notched a 4-0 shutout.
The victories were critical in the fight for conference seeding as Jacksonville now has a record of 26-25 with a 7-7 mark in league play while Stetson moved to 29-21 and 8-8, respectively.
"Right now, as far as mentality goes, we are focusing on one pitch and one out at a time," said Head Coach Jennifer Steele. "We're really trying to stay engaged in the present moment and not think too far ahead, and that has bred a lot of confidence."
There were several zeros and one tick mark on the scoreboard before Danielle Baker hit the staple in left centerfield for her team-leading 13th home run. The solo blast ended the Dolphins' scoreless run in the sixth inning and was immediately followed by a long ball from Victoria Brown.
Stetson tied the ballgame at 2-2 on a two-out RBI-single in the bottom of the inning, and the score stuck through seven complete.
Jacksonville last saw extra innings in its 4-0 win at Lipscomb earlier this season and recorded another eighth inning success against Stetson. The Hatters intentionally walked Brown to load the bases with no outs, and Sanchez delivered a two-RBI single to break the stalemate.
"I was just so confident going up there," said Sanchez. "With no outs, I knew that just one hit could change the game. It was exciting. It was a great moment and one that I was happy to be in.
"I think we're at a great spot right now, and working really well as a team. The wins that we've had in the past have all been team wins. At this moment, us all working together will help as we move forward."
Brown (17-14) received the game win after pitching all eight innings. Stetson threatened with two runners on in the final frame, and the senior righty closed the rally with a strikeout.
It took six innings for the Dolphins to score in game one, and just two in the latter contest. Brooke Smith singled to left field to bring home the first of three runs and Kristen Griffith added the fourth on an RBI-single in the sixth.
Curtis (5-3) pitched a complete game for her second career Dolphin shutout. She gave up just three hits.
"I knew that my defense was hot, my offense was hot, and that they would get the runs to back me up," said Curtis. "This was a huge confidence boost because we came in sixth [in the conference] and beat a higher ranked team. For me, it's going to give me more confidence to trust my defense, and to rely on my pitches; they are good enough."
Jacksonville looks to clinch the series sweep Sunday at 1 p.m.
