JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jacksonville softball hosted it's first double header of the season in the third day of the River City Leadoff, hosting Villanova and Nicholls state. JU dropped the first game to Villanova by a final score of 10-2 but came back in the second game to triumph over Nicholls State by a final score of 2-1.
 
Game One
Villanova opened scoring early in the first inning, scoring a total of 10 runs through the top of the third. A late rally by the Dolphins came in the bottom of the fifth when junior Serena Quinata scored on a single to left field from freshman Caroline Watson. Excitement came at the plate when freshman Madison Kennedy snuck into score on a passed ball, however a Dolphin pop up to second base ended the game as Villanova won 10-2.

Game Two
Jacksonville's strong effort in their second matchup of the day earned them a 2-1 win over Nicholls State.

Senior pitcher Alyssa Bilodeau pitched a complete game, striking out nine as she led the Dolphins to victory.

Senior Carolyn O'Neal opened up scoring for JU in the bottom of the second after Jacqueline Hodskins grounded out to shortstop allowing Quinata, Kennedy and O'Neal to all advance one. 

The lone Colonel run of the evening came in the top of the fifth when Nikki Whitehead reached home after Emily Holland singled to shortstop.
In the bottom of the fifth freshman Ashley Darakjian secured the victory for the Dolphins after reaching first in a fielder's choice error on the short stop. With senior Makenzie Buss at the plate she stole second, then advancing to third after Buss bunted to the pitcher. Sophomore  Nydia Perez then came to the plate and reached second on a Colonel throwing error, allowing Darakjian to score, brining JU to a 2-1 lead over the Colonels.  

"The first game got away from us early. I am proud of the kids for ability to have a short memory and play solid softball in game two. We do not win that one run game if they do not feel sorry for themselves earlier in the day. That is a good step in the right direction mentally," commented Head Coach Erica Ayers.

Jacksonville returns tomorrow for the final day of The River City Leadoff against Villanova at 12:30 pm.