Seeking redemption for its season-opening loss, Florida Gulf Coast University jumped out early with a four-run first inning against Boston College Softball.
This early offensive onslaught proved insurmountable as BC (2–2) fell to FGCU (2–1) 6–4 in a Friday night battle between the two squads.
Defensive miscues and missed opportunities hampered BC’s ability to keep up with FGCU’s hitting success, with eight runners left stranded on base and three errors committed during the game.
FGCU’s quick offensive showing caused BC head coach Amy Kvilhaug to pull her starting pitcher, freshman Bailey Kendziorski, after recording only one out. Making her second appearance of the season, sophomore Kelly Colleran entered the game in relief and recorded the last two outs to limit the damage.
BC would respond quickly, scoring two runs in the top of the second powered by a double from left fielder Zoe Hines, a single to right field from catcher Maycee Hilt, and strategic baserunning from pinch-runner Katelyn Deguire.
But FGCU answered immediately to the shift in offensive momentum towards BC, adding another run in the bottom of the second to extend their lead to three runs.
After a quiet third inning, marked by Colleran and FGCU pitcher Victoria Ash exchanging 1–2–3 performances, the Boston College offense, having already scored one run in the inning, seemed prime to tie or take the lead after loading the bases with one out.
A pitching substitution by FGCU, however, spoiled this opportunity, with pinch hitter Makena Segal grounding out to the third baseman, allowing FGCU to turn a double play.
Relief pitching ultimately proved to be conclusive, as efficient outings from Colleran and the FGCU bullpen prevented any further damage.
Colleran came out strong early in the bottom of the fourth, quickly getting two outs, though consecutive defensive mistakes allowed FGCU to threaten to extend their lead with a runner on first and third.
The fifth inning was again marked by efficient pitching for both teams, with BC stranding two baserunners and FGCU stranding one.
BC, in need of a rally, continued to struggle to produce at the plate in the top of the sixth inning, getting a baserunner only by way of an error from the FGCU third baseman.
The offensive stalemate would end when a defensive error at first base, a well-placed bunt, and a sacrifice fly allowed FGCU to push the lead back to three runs.
Seeking a last-minute push, Janis Espinoza led the seventh inning off strong with a towering shot that reached the base of the left-field wall, putting her in scoring position on second base. Espinoza would reach third via a sacrifice fly from Gator Robinson and would soon reach home following a single to right field from Emma Jackson.
After conceding a walk to Catcher Hannah Silke, FGCU opted to turn to their bullpen. Despite loading the bases with two outs after a walk from Hines, Hilt would strike out swinging, ending BC’s bid for a comeback victory.
In spite of the loss, BC’s offense showed clear signs of improvement, as across their first two games Boston College scored two runs total, both of which came in the first matchup between them and FGCU.
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