SCF Softball Earns Thrilling Comeback Victory

SCF Softball erased an early four-run deficit and used two pivotal home runs to defeat Santa Fe College, 13-9, on Saturday in Bradenton.

After trailing 6-2 in the second inning, SCF responded with steady offensive pressure before delivering the decisive blow in the middle innings. Santa Fe struck first with an RBI single by English in the top of the first. SCF answered in the bottom half, tying the game at 2-2 on a single from Jamie Sepsick.

The Saints regained control in the second inning, capitalizing on timely situational hitting. Bender drew a bases-loaded walk, Murch added a sacrifice fly, and Frierson delivered a two-run single to give Santa Fe a 6-2 advantage.

SCF began chipping away in the bottom of the second. Rebekah Lewis launched a solo home run to left field, and Cailinne Kelly followed with a two-run single to cut the deficit to 6-5.

The turning point came in the bottom of the fifth. Trailing 9-5, the Manatees erupted for five runs on four hits to seize a 10-9 lead. Kaitlyn Shea provided the game's defining moment with a grand slam to left field, driving in four runs and swinging the momentum decisively in SCF's favor.

SCF added valuable insurance in the sixth when Breann Urban connected on a three-run home run to center field, extending the lead to 13-9.

Kaitlyn Crouch earned the victory in relief, tossing one scoreless inning while allowing two hits and one walk. Dava Hoffer started for SCF and surrendered six runs (none earned) over 1.2 innings. Abigail Hicks also appeared in relief, and Allison Cole recorded the save to secure the win.

Offensively, SCF totaled 14 hits. Shea drove in four runs from the seventh spot in the lineup, while Kierstyn Aumua paced the team with three hits in four at-bats. Kaylin Smith, Urban, and Kelly each recorded multiple hits in the balanced attack.