DELAND, Fla. – Jacksonville University softball closed out the 2018 season in the semifinals of the ASUN Conference Tournament after dropping Thursday's opener to #1 Kennesaw State, 8-3, and the nightcap to #3 USC Upstate, 2-0, at Stetson's Patricia Wilson Field.
"It was a tough day at the ballpark for us. We came out swinging in the first game and just weren't able to keep Kennesaw State from scoring. The second game, [USC Upstate pitcher] Erin Hill kept us off balance and we just couldn't muster enough offense to get it done," stated head coach Erica Ayers following the Dolphins' second game of the day.
"I'm extremely grateful for everything the seniors gave to this program for four years and everything they gave us this year. Team 16 will have a special place in my heart forever. While I'm heartbroken this season is over, I'm excited for the future of Dolphin Softball and to get to work on Team 17."
The Dolphins close out the 2018 season with a 27-29 overall record.
vs. #1 Kennesaw State
The #5 seeded Dolphins led the offensive assault in the top of the first as senior Heather Roberts blasted a two-run home run over the center field wall to put Jacksonville up early, 2-0. The Owls (37-15) answered back in the bottom half of the inning on an error, an RBI single, and an RBI ground out for a slim 3-2 lead.
Kennesaw State then extended its lead in the bottom of the third on a two-run shot from Noelle Winkles to make it 5-2 in favor of the Owls.
With the bases loaded in the top of the fourth, senior Kristen Griffith drew a walk to plate a third Dolphin run to bring JU within two, 5-3. The momentum didn't last long, however, as the Owls added another two-run dinger in the bottom of the fourth to make it 8-3.
Neither side was able to get more than two runners on in the subsequent innings as the Owls held on for the win.
Sophomores Alyssa Bilodeau and Seana Mora, along with freshman Maddie Kaufman, all saw time in the circle, with the loss charged to Bilodeau.
Senior Allie McCourt and Heather Roberts both went 2-for-4 at the plate.
vs. #3 USC Upstate
The Dolphins conceded just one run through the first four innings on a double steal by the Spartans (33-18) in the bottom of the first.
Freshman Hannah Roberts drove a blooper out to shallow right field in the top of the fifth for the Dolphins' first hit of the game, and effectively end USC Upstate pitcher Erin Hill's perfect game.
The Dolphins got their best chance in the top of the seventh as Heather Roberts led off with a double out to center field. With one out, Hannah Roberts drew a walk and senior Jordan Daniels singled up the middle to load the bases. Nothing went for the Dolphins after that, and Upstate came away barely unscathed with a 2-0 win.
Heather Roberts and Daniels both closed out game two 1-for-3 at the plate. Bilodeau tossed her 18th complete game to finish the season with a 16-13 record in the circle.
