JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University softball plated a run in the bottom of the first to take an early 1-0 lead in the ASUN Conference series finale against Florida Gulf Coast, but the Dolphins were unable to fend off the Eagles, 8-1, Sunday afternoon at Debbie and Fred Pruitt Softball Complex. 

Senior Madison Ragan drove in classmate Danielle Baker on a two-out single into center field to put the Dolphins (23-24, 4-7 ASUN) ahead in the first, 1-0.

Jacksonville's lead was short-lived, however, as FGCU tied it at 1-1 in the top of the second on a sacrifice bunt. Leading the ASUN in triples, the Eagles (33-14, 7-5 ASUN) tacked on four more runs in the third, including a three-run triple from LuLu Newmark to extend the visitors lead. 

Sophomore Seana Mora retired the side in the top of the fourth, but back-to-back doubles in the fifth inning pushed FGCU to a 6-1 advantage.

After giving up an infield single to open the sixth, Mora and the Dolphins' defense found their footing. Jacksonville retired the next three Eagles on a groundout to freshman Serena Quinata at second base, a swinging strikeout, and a fly out to sophomore Makenzie Buss in center field. 

Florida Gulf Coast managed two more runs in the top of the seventh, then sit the Dolphins down in order to complete the game, 8-1.

Sophomore Alyssa Bilodeau gave up three runs - only two of which were earned - on four hit in 2.1 innings of work, while Mora closed out the game and gave up five earned runs and struck out two in 4.2 innings in the circle. Bilodeau endured the loss and fell to 14-10 on the year.

One of the league's toughest pitchers to face, FGCU's Morgan White tossed a complete game and struck out nine in her one-hit bid. Farley Carraghan led the Eagles at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles.

The Dolphins return to action this weekend, April 28-29, as Kennesaw State visits for a three-game league series.