KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (May 13, 2024) – Florida National University’s softball team (23-23) had no answer for the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Ariz.) Eagles (39-11) at the NAIA Opening Round in Klamath Falls, Oreg. FNU fell short of the mark to a tough Eagles squad 10-0 in five innings.
The Conquistadors recorded just two hits in the contest and committed two errors. ERAU blasted 10 hits and no errors in its well-deserved victory.
The first inning was an offensive explosion for ERAU that could not seem to end for the Conquistadors. Leah Salas got things started with a double to left center that pushed Maddie Judge from first to third. Judge later scored on a passed ball by FNU catcher Bianca Bartow and Salas stayed at third. Another unfortunate error, this time from third baseman Janessa Esquibel, bought enough time for Salas to complete her trip around the bases and placed Diana Miranda Montano safely at first.
Things continued to get out of hand for FNU, as Autumn Sulusi blazed a two-RBI home run and left fielder Tatum Chestnut made it a 6-0 affair on a two-score double to left center field. FNU had no answer from the batter’s box, with its first hit of the afternoon coming from Ana De Oliveira Obando in the fourth. The outfielder connected on a single to left field and moved to second on a base hit by Thanysha Gil. Despite these positive offensive plays, ERAU ended the frame on a 6-3 double play, leaving FNU scoreless.
ERAU went on to post four runs in the bottom of the fourth, taking a 10-0 lead. Two doubles from Emma Almodoba and Jaden Espinoza and an RBI sacrifice fly by Sulusi proved to be just enough to run rule the Conquistadors in game one of the Klamath Falls Bracket.
Up Next: FNU faces the loser of St. Thomas versus Vanguard (Calif.) tomorrow at 7 p.m.
