FNU splits Monday doubleheader versus Edward Waters.
FNU splits Monday doubleheader versus Edward Waters.

(Box Score) (Box Score 2)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (April 3, 2023) – Florida National University’s softball team recovered from an opening game one 3-1 loss to the Edward Waters University Tigers to split a Monday afternoon doubleheader in Jacksonville, Fla. 

With a thrilling 4-3 win in game two, FNU captured its twentieth win of 2023 and halted a four-game losing skid, dating back to a 6-5 defeat to Keiser University on March 25. The Tigers were 3-1 in their last four outings and held a priming 25-5 record before Monday’s battle on the clay.

In game one, Florida National struck first for a 1-0 lead in the second. But the Tigers evened things up at 1-1 and a two-RBI single in the bottom of the fifth was just enough for the Tigers to squeeze out a 3-1 victory. The Conquistadors had two hits and two errors in the contest while the Tigers notched eight hits and three errors through six and a half frames.

Game two saw FNU get on the board first, as a single to center field from Janessa Esquibel allowed Yleisha Perez to go in for the score. This lead was short-lived after the Tigers got in their first two runs of game two off a single from Caitlynne Lamug. 

At the top of the fifth, a home-run bomb from Bailey Fernandez to left field tied things up at two all. EWU retook their lead on a single courtesy of Jazmine Lamug that opened the gates for teammate Jade Mention to run safety of home plate. 

At the top of the seventh, FNU’s Ana De Oliveira Obando reached first on an error from EWU’s shortstop. This costly mistake brought home Megen Johnson and Sydni Bigelli for the 4-3 game-stealing runs. 

Edward Waters suffered three quick out in the bottom of the final frame, ending the game with seven hits and two errors. FNU recorded six hits and three errors. 

Up Next: FNU softball celebrates senior day on the road April 11 in a noon doubleheader versus the RV St. Thomas Bobcats.