JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- In the final game of Jacksonville University's time in the River City Leadoff Tournament, the Dolphins fell to Jacksonville State 7-1.
The 'Phins went 1-2 against Jax State during their tournament run and finished opening weekend with a 2-3 record.
Jazz Jones scored the team's lone run of the day off a double which saw Kiersten Stevens come home. JU was narrowly outhit by Jax State 8-7 by game's end. Haley Fox led the way for the green and gold with a 2-4 showing.
On the bump, Skylar Wagonner, Jacy Harrelson and Karson Johnson all saw action. Waggoner got the start and struck out a pair in 3 2/3 innings of work. Harrelson went 3 1/3 and struck out two as well.
Upon the weekend's end, JU has plenty to build off of.
In 14 total at bats, Fox collected seven hits. Madison Bratek added five hits of her own and Averi Harcus had four hits. Harcus and Lindsey Chadwick finished a trio of RBIs each.
Freshman Hailey Strunk impressed with her first start on the bump knocking down five batters. Waggoner led the weekend with seven total Ks.
The slate of games gave head coach Erica Ayers plenty to build off before Tuesday's contest at the University of Florida.
"We need to pound the zone more, less walks and play clean defense," Ayers said. "Offensively we made the adjustments today with one on base, we just got out of control with runners on. We left too many runners on base. We had our opportunities."
JU left 12 runners on against the Gamecocks, included having the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh with a chance to cut into Jax State's lead.
Jacksonville will have just one full day of practice before the team makes the trek to Gainesville to face the No. 2 ranked Gators.
Between the end of JU's tournament run and first pitch against UF (Feb. 11, 6 p.m.) Ayers wants her team to get back to playing loose and capitalize on what they couldn't on Sunday.
"Heading to Florida our focus will mainly be on ourselves and the adjustments we need to make," Ayers said.
GAME NOTES
- Jacksonville pitchers faced 34 Jacksonville State hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out four.
- The Dolphins drew five walks from Jacksonville State pitching.
