MADEIRA BEACH, FL (352today.com) – The College of Central Florida Softball team kicked off their season on Friday, Jan. 24th, with two victories at the JUCO Kickoff Classic in Madeira Beach, FL.
Game 1: 6-2 vs. Gulf Coast State
The Pats took an early lead in their first game of the season. In the bottom of the first inning, Madison VanAllen singled, driving in both Amy Crosby and Amber Daugherty. They added two more runs in the second inning to extend their lead to 4-0. Crosby doubled to score Hayley Turner, and Leah Clark followed with a single to left, bringing Crosby home.
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In the sixth, the Pats tacked on two more runs: Riley Geiger hit a sac fly, and Turner drove in a run with a ground out. VanAllen also excelled in the circle, throwing four and two-thirds innings. She allowed two runs (none earned) on six hits, striking out four and walking three. Hailey Pyle closed the game, striking out two and allowing just one hit.
Game 2: 9-1 vs. Polk State
Polk State took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second, but from there, it was all Pats offense. The team tallied seven extra-base hits: Amy Crosby went 4 for 4 with two doubles and a triple; Caitlin Blankenship was 2 for 4 with a double and a triple; Gabrielle Rasher also went 2 for 4 with a double; and Raegan Geiger was 2 for 3 with a double. Hailey Pyle pitched for the Pats, allowing just one run in the second inning while striking out four.
The Lady Pats get Saturday off and will return to Madeira Beach on Sunday for two more games: vs. the USAF Academy at 9 a.m. and against Rend Lake College at 2 p.m.