Manatees' softball splits with St. Johns' River State College: 3-4, 9-1

BRADENTON, Fla.- SCF softball scored three runs in the first inning but it wasn't enough to hold off St. John's River State College. The Manatees lost game one 4-3 but came back to beat the Vikings in 5 innings, 9-1.

In game one, the offensive attack came with a 2-out rally in the first inning. Chelsea Wildey lead off with a walk, Ashley Burney sent a screaming single in to right field putting Wildey in scoring position. Freshman, Dani Darby, drove in the first RBI with a double to left field. A huge single by Kat Penn scored both Burney and Darby for a 3-0 lead. Paige Mathews struck out 10 SJRSC hitters and held the Vikings to only two earned runs. A combination of walks and an error in the infield added up to cost the Manatees the win in the top of the 7th. SCF lost 4-3.

The second game was a 5-inning mercy rule win of 9-1. Freshman pitcher from Manatee High, Taylor O'Quinn fanned seven and only gave up one hit. The hit was a solo home-run to the first batter. She held the Vikings hitless the rest of the game. SCF's runs came behind a 3 RBI performance by Crystal Cyr inlcuding a 1st inning 3 run homer to left. Sophomore, Chelsea Wildey was 2-for-3 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI. The Manatees scattered nine hits to end the game early.

SCF is now 12-6 and travels to Tallahasse Community College on Friday.