JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- The Jacksonville softball team fell to the North Florida Ospreys 9-2 in its weekend series opener against UNF.
 
JU scored twice in the bottom half of the sixth inning, and eight different Dolphins reached base, but the Osprey offense scored in all seven innings to push them to the series victory. In the final five innings, UNF hit a home run per inning to keep comfortably ahead.
 
The Ospreys jumped ahead to an 8-0 lead through the first six innings. JU ended the fifth inning with the bases loaded, and loaded the bases again in the sixth. First, Lindsey Chadwick doubled to score Veronica Puckett and move Averi Harcus, who had singled just before, to third, putting Dolphins on the corners. Madison Reynolds reached on a fielder's choice to bring home Harcus, and a Gabi Robles walk successfully loaded the bases for the Dolphins with two outs. Jacksonville was unable to capitalize, and the Ospreys avoided any further damage, keeping the score at 8-2.
 
UNF added an insurance run on a leadoff solo shot to push its lead up to 9-2. Allison Bratek singled in the bottom half of the inning, but the Dolphins were unable to spark a late rally, and the Ospreys won the first round of the series.
 
Reese Wells (5-1) started in the circle and allowed four earned runs, picking up the loss for the first time this season. Shelby Harpe came on in relief partway through the third inning and pitched the final 4.2 innings. She gave up five runs and struck out a pair.
 
UP NEXT

The Dolphins and Ospreys return for part two of their series tomorrow, with first pitch slated for 6 pm. The game will be streamed on ESPN+, and livestats can be found on ESPN+.