Sanford, FL

Santa Fe traveled to Seminole State College of Florida for a doubleheader on Tuesday, April 28th. The Raiders won Game 1 2-1, and the Saints bounced back to win Game 2 9-1 in five innings.

The Saints improved to 40-12 overall and 25-11 in Citrus Conference play, clinching a berth in the FCSAA Tournament in Clearwater, FL starting Tuesday, May 12th.

Game 1

Ellie Frierson hit a 10th-pitch leadoff home run in the top of the fourth inning to give the Saints a 1-0 lead, but Seminole was able to respond with a two-run double in the bottom of the fourth, which was enough to win them the game 2-1.

Santa Fe outhit Seminole 6-4, with Molly Bender leading the team with two hits.

Belle Mancillas recorded seven strikeouts over six innings while allowing four hits, two walks, and two runs.

Game 2

A triple by Rylie Blankenship scored Hannah Hargrave, and a single by Mckenzie Cox scored Molly Bender (who was hit by a pitch) and Blankenship to give the Saints a 3-0 lead in the top of the second inning.

Seminole hit a solo home run in the bottom of the second to cut the Saints' lead to 3-1.

Bender hit a leadoff homer in the top of the fourth, and a pop out by Miranda Murch was able to bring home Sydney English, extending the lead to 5-1.

Tegan Grizzard stole home in the top of the fifth, Blankenship scored on an error, and Murch homered to score herself and Cox as the Saints took a 9-1 lead.

Molly Bender and Ellie Frierson led the team with two hits, and every batter in the lineup was able to record a hit. Bender hit her 22nd double of the season, and she is tied for first in the FCSAA in doubles. Miranda Murch led the team with three RBIs, and Tegan Grizzard stole two bases.

Chloe Woods pitched all five innings, recording four strikeouts and allowing two hits, one walk, and a run.

Up Next

The Saints will travel to Winter Haven, FL on Saturday, May 2nd to take on Polk State College (21-31, 13-23) in a doubleheader beginning at 1:00pm. #6 Santa Fe will host #12 Eastern Florida State College (38-14, 24-12) in a doubleheader in the regular season finale starting at 2:00pm.

With four games remaining in the regular season, #6 Santa Fe (25-11) sits one game ahead of #10 Indian River (24-12) and #12 Eastern Florida (24-12) for second place in the Citrus Conference.

The FCSAA Tournament will begin Tuesday, May 12th, with the schedule available here and on the FCSAA website after the regular season ends.