(Box Score)
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. ( Feb. 10, 2023) – A rendition of Backstreet Boy’s classic hit ‘I Want it That Way’ rings through the Florida National’s dugout, as the Conquistadors attempted to pull off a momentous victory versus the St. Thomas Bobcats. Unfortunately, a comeback was not in the cards for the visiting Conquistadors as the Bobcats secured a 9-2 win on their opening day at Col. Jacquelin J. Kelly Field.
FNU started the contest locked in on the ball with Yleisha Perez connecting on a double to left field. Despite the quick hit, the Bobcats got three quick out on the next three plays and went to work on putting up three hits and two runs while at bat. Up 2-0, FNU was once again denied a scoring opportunity at the top of the second recording just one hit with one runner left on base.
The Bobcats rattled off a monster four-run performance in the second including a two-RBI homer from Gabriella Gilbert and a triple from Sophia Negron. FNU finally broke through in the third with Alexis Lendo securing a base hit and stealing second base.
A double from Perez was just enough to send Lendo in for the first run of the afternoon. Perez would eventually score another run for FNU, as the Conquistadors completed a two hit, two run inning.
STU continued its tremendous tear in the third inning with two runs and two hits before Natalie Kopicova was grounded out to third base. FNU settled down a bit in the following innings giving up just one run in ht final stretch, as the Bobcats rang in their first win of the 2023 season.
Up Next: Softball is back in on the clay Feb. 15 against Ave Maria at noon.