BARTOW, Fla. — The Golden Eagles softball team faced two tough matchups over the weekend, falling 8-3 to 23rd-ranked McKendree and narrowly losing 7-6 to Lynn in an extra-innings nail biter.
McKendree 8, Clarion 3
In the first game against McKendree (15-5), Clarion (4-3) showed offensive strength, recording seven hits and drawing ten walks, but left 12 runners stranded on base. McKendree jumped to an early lead in the first inning with a wild pitch that allowed Sami Huck to score, followed by Trista Moore's two-run homer, putting the Golden Eagles in a three-run hole. The Bearcats didn't stop there, adding to their lead in the third with a two-run single by Ellie Vetter and an RBI double from Laynee Tapp, pushing the score to 6-0.
Despite the uphill battle, the Golden Eagles didn't back down.
Alexis Valencia's RBI single in the sixth inning finally put Clarion on the scoreboard, marking her third straight game with at least two hits. In the seventh inning,
Emma Houk drew a walk with the bases loaded, bringing in one run, and
Amber Gilliam's fielder's choice added another. Unfortunately, the rally wasn't enough to overcome McKendree's lead, ending the game at 8-3, with Clarion missing key opportunities.
Angelina Pepe took the circle for the Golden Eagles, throwing 3 innings and allowing 8 hits and 6 earned runs, while
Ainsley Perdicaris came in as relief, pitching four innings of one-run relief. Valencia led at the plate with two hits and an RBI, while
Jordy Best added two hits, a stolen base, and a walk. Gilliam showed discipline, drawing three walks and scoring once.
Lynn 7, Clarion 6 (8 inn.)
In the second game against Lynn (5-9), Clarion (4-4) fought hard but ultimately fell 7-6 in extra innings. The Golden Eagles staged an impressive rally in the fifth inning, leveling the score with four runs. Sophie Petrash's leadoff walk, followed by advancing on a passed ball, set the pace. Valencia's single and stolen base turned up the heat, leading to
Avery Bellish's RBI walk and
Sabi Medrano's sacrifice fly, which drove in two runs.
Delanie Davison added an RBI groundout, helping the Golden Eagles draw even at 6.
Lynn clinched the win in the eighth with a pivotal play: Marina Goins' bunt single brought home Kylie Burden, who had previously swiped third, breaking the 6-6 tie. Despite their valiant efforts, the Golden Eagles couldn't capitalize in the eighth, as
Malina Serrano reached third on a sacrifice bunt, but two quick outs snuffed out the chance for a go-ahead run.
Rian Reed took the circle for 3 innings against Lynn, allowing 6 hits and 6 runs, with only 2 earned.
Ainsley Perdicaris pitched 4 1/3 innings in relief, surrendering just 2 hits and 1 unearned run, while walking none and striking out 1.
Avery Bellish was instrumental with two RBIs, a run scored, a walk, and a stolen base.
Sabi Medrano added two RBIs and a hit, while Valencia scored twice, contributing a hit and a walk, along with a stolen base. Sophie Petrash also crossed the plate twice, contributing a hit and a walk, bolstering the Golden Eagles' attack.
