Softball splits with HCC on the road: W 2-1, L 3-1

PLANT CITY, FL- SCF Softball split for the fourth consecutive conference double header. This time, the split came against current Suncoast Conference leaders, Hillsborough Community College. SCF won the first game 2-1 and lost game two 3-1.

SCF's 2-1 victory came behind an eight strike out performance from freshman hurler, Taylor O'Quinn. O'Quinn fanned eight and only gave up two hits in the victory. The offense was sparked in a second inning rally with a two RBI hit by sophomore third baseman, Jaclyn Cokeroft. Kat Penn was 2-for-3 with a double and scored for the Manatees. Kayla Bjorge was 1-for-3 with a stolen base and scored the other run for SCF.

Game two was a battle on the mound with a scoreless 5 innings. Megan Schwietert (SCF) struck out five and Laura Downs (HCC) struck out six. HCC rallied to score three runs in the sixth. The Hawks loaded the bases with a lead-off single by Adriana Sanders, error on a ground ball and a bunt. The Manatees' defense put together two consecutive fielders choices that allowed two runs and the third run was added by Cierra Carreno's single to left field. The Manatees returned to the plate in the top of the seventh with Kat Penn's long leadoff home run over the left center field fence. Bjorge reached first on a single and was stranded ending the game with a 3-1 loss.

SCF is 6-6 in Suncoast Conference play and 31-5 on the season. The Manatees are home on Tuesday and Thursday for their final conference double headers of the season.