(Box Score) (Box Score 2)
LAKE WALES, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2024) – Florida National University’s softball (4-3) captures its second split doubleheader, claiming a 9-7 win in game one over the Warner University Royals (3-5) in Lake Wales, Fla., before falling 6-4. FNU’s overall record versus Warner improves to 3-5, as the Conquistadors have come out on top in two of their last three contests versus the Royals.
In game one, FNU got on the board first thanks in part to an RBI triple from Gabi Obando that scored Janessa Esquibel. Obando later scored on a sacrifice fly from Thanysha Gil before Warner was able to end the inning after a strikeout from Madison Chiudina.
After a scoreless second frame, Obando continued her excellent hitting with a solo homer to start the third. Warner did manage to get three quick outs after a pitching change that put Allie Hughes in the circle for the Royals. Warner finally broke through at the bottom of the inning, scoring a run off an RBI walk committed by FNU pitcher Esquibel.
FNU recovered some of the previous lead in the fourth thanks to a run from Ciara Santiago. The Royals found some much-needed success in the frame, completing an RBI single and double as well as scoring off an error from FNU’s shortstop. These runs highlighted a three-hit inning for Warner, giving them a 5-4 lead. In the sixth, FNU tied the game on a single from Sabrina Castelli that scored Sydni Bigelli.
After a scoreless seventh, FNU was able to get the win in game one on an RBI double from Castelli and a single from Sophia White that pushed Tara McCaffery home. FNU ended the top of the eighth with four runs and three hits. Warner could only counter with two scores before FNU executed three quick outs.
In game two, FNU left three runners stranded at the end of the first, while Warner found success with a homer from Jordan Moore for a 2-0 lead. FNU cut this lead in half after Castelli made it home on a passed ball in the second. Another Obando homer in the third tied up the contest at 2-2 to start the third inning.
After a scoreless fourth and fifth frame, FNU broke the game open with a two-run, three-hit inning as the Conquistadors took a 4-2 lead. Pinch hitter Madison Sanchez posted an RBI triple and later scored on a single from Yleisha Perez. Despite some late-game heroics, Warner pulled off the win thanks to a four-run, three-hit performance down the stretch.
The Royals tied the game after an RBI double to right center and a single to FNU’s pitcher. Warner won the game off two wild pitches that scored Grace Derstine and Autumn Calcagno.
Up Next: Florida National heads to Lakeland, Fla., for two contests starting at noon against New College of Florida and the No. 22-ranked Southeastern Fire Feb 16.
