JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville University softball team was back in action under clear skies and sunshine Sunday afternoon at the Debbie & Fred Pruitt Softball Complex as the wrapped up their weekend series with FGCU. The Dolphins (17-9, 5-4) scored first in the ballgame, but the Eagles (17-11, 8-1) came back and used a three-run third inning to take the lead and go on to a 6-1 win to take the series 2-1.
 
After Alyssa Bilodeau stranded a pair of Eagles to begin the game, JU notched the first tally of the game in the bottom of the first. Victoria Rodebaugh led off with an infield single before Samantha Poehlman reached on a fielding error to get things rolling. After a flyout to left field, Caroline Watson drove one back up the middle and into centerfield. Rodebaugh raced around third and was able to slide in under the tag of the catcher to give the Dolphins the early lead.
 
FGCU responded in the second inning, evening the score at 1-1 with a safety squeeze with runners at second and third after the inning began with an error.
 
For the second game in a row, a big inning was to be JU's undoing as the Eagles scored three runs in the third inning to take a 4-1 lead. With two outs and bases loaded, a single to centerfield scored the runner from third. The throw in from Poehlman was on-line and beat the runner from second, but the ball came free during the application of the tag and rolled away toward the backstop, allowing the runner from first to scamper all the way around to score as well.
 
FGCU scored two more runs in the seventh inning by way of a passed ball and an RBI single to make it a 6-1 game. The Dolphins looked to rally in the home half of the inning, but were retired in order to end the afternoon.
 
Bilodeau (8-6) was charged with the loss, allowing six runs, four earned, in her seven innings of work while striking out four. Rodebaugh finished the afternoon 2-3 with a run scored to lead the way offensively.
 
Up next, the Dolphins will step out of conference play for a matchup with #5 Florida Wednesday evening at the Debbie & Fred Pruitt Softball Complex. First pitch is scheduled for 6 PM.