FORT MYERS, Fla. - Jacksonville University softball (13-27, 1-9 ASUN) played the first of a three game series against FGCU (22-16, 7-3 ASUN) Saturday afternoon. Both pitchers couldn't be touched through most of the game, but a late effort by the Eagles gave them a series opening win over the Dolphins.

Seana Mora received the start in the circle in game one. The junior kept her team in it as the Eagles were held scoreless through five innings. However, four of the six hits Mora allowed came in a big sixth inning that put the Dolphins down three.

Mora worked her way out of multiple jams, including a runner at third in the first inning with only one out, and a bottom of the fifth where two Eagles were stranded to keep the game scoreless. Mora recorded four strikeouts on the day.

Strikeouts plagued JU's hitters early and often as the first six in the lineup went down in that fashion. The Dolphins were unable to get a runner on base until Hannah Roberts led off the top of the fifth with a double that hit the wall in center field. Roberts advanced to third on a Carolyn O'Neal sacrifice bunt, but did't score. 

Jacksonville recorded two more hits in the top of the seventh and began to threaten the Eagles' narrow lead. Nydia Perez singled and ultimately scored, and after Abby Genest singled, she represented the game-tying run at first base. The Eagles stopped the comeback there and claimed the 3-1 decision. 

Seven of Jacksonville's last eight losses have been decided by two runs or fewer. Mora's record goes to 4-10. FGCU's Riley Randolph improves to 14-7 after she allowed three hits and struck out eight.

Jacksonville will play both games two and three of the series tomorrow due to rain this evening. Game two is scheduled to begin at 11 AM.