CLEARWATER, Fla.-  Lynn University's softball team split its double header on the first day of the Eckerd College Spring Invitational at Eddie C. Moore Complex on Friday afternoon. The Knights dropped to Flager in the first game 6-2 but then came back to defeat Lindenwood 7-1 in the later game. Kaci Vassallo went six for eight on the day, with two hits in the first game and batting four for four in the second with three RBIs. Missy Montgomery earned her first win of the season while striking out three and allowing one run.

In game one, Flagler scored first after three consecutive singles with one out would score the first run. When Kristie Flink flied out to left field, Christen Moon tagged up and went home for the Saints to lead 2-0. 

In the top of the fourth, Devin Kochergen singled to left field after Bianca Savulak grounded out to shortstop for the first out of the inning. A single to right field by Vassallo advanced the runners before a single from Anne Marie Van Casteren would load the bases for Lydia West. West reached on an error by the second baseman, which scored Kochergen. All the runners advanced on the throw, which scored Vassallo as well to tie the game 2-all.

Flagler answered back in the bottom of the fourth when Flink singled and advanced on an error by Van Casteren. Caravano singled through the left side which scored Flink and left a runner at second. Blake singled to left field, leaving runners on first and third for Whittington, who moved in to pinch hit for Little. Blake, Caravano, would advance and Volz scored on a wild pitch by Murray. Cochran drew a walk followed by a Moon single that would score Blake and Caravano to put Flagler up 6-2. 

Vassallo and West would both pick up hits in the top of the sixth inning but it wasn't until the bottom of the seventh when Lynn would pressure the Saints. After a leadoff single from Danielle McNeill, Jasmine Campos reached on an error by the shortstop, which moved McNeill to second. Kochergen took first base after a displaying her keen eye for the right pitch. Bases were loaded for Vassallo with two outs but a fly ball to deep right foul territory was held by the wind with just enough time for the Saints right fielder to make the play.

Vassallo led the Fighting Knights with her pair of hits and one run scored. Kasey Murray got the loss after six innings of work, where she struck out four and walked only two. 

LU had only a half hour to switch fields and prepare for its second game of the day. Lindenwood would score its only run of the game in the first inning when Courtney Kitson, who singled to the pitcher to lead off the inning, scored when Kimberly Lake grounded out the shortstop.

The Blue and White left four on base over the next two innings before they would take the lead in the bottom of the third. Savulak and Kochergen led off the inning with back-to-back walks. A Vassallo single would score Savulak to tie the game at one. Van Casteren reached on a fielder's choice, Kochergen was out at third and Vassallo advanced to second. A single from Murray loaded the bases with McNeill at the plate. After a pitching change from the Lions, McNeill flied out to center field. 

A single by freshman Jasmine Campos to the pitcher would send Vassallo home for the game-winning run. A bases loaded walk from Vicky Naginsky would score another run of the Fighting Knights that. Christina Carvatta popped up to the third baseman to end the inning but the damage was already done as LU scored three runs on three hits, no errors, and leaving three on base.

The Knights were at it again in the bottom of the fourth after the Lions made a handful of defensive changes. Vassallo recorded another RBI single and Van Casteren scored on a passed ball with bases loaded and two outs. Lynn scored two runs on four hits while leaving two on base. 

After a one, two, three top of the fifth inning, LU scored two more runs to secure the win. And RBI single for Kochergen down the right field line scored Carvatta, who singled to short stop and advanced to second on a stolen base. Vassallo's fourth hit of the game drove in Kochergen when she doubled to deep right field.

The Blue and White escaped the next two innings to hold on to the victory. In the win, LU left 12 batters on base while Lindenwood stranded nine. Savulak and Vassallo both hit doubles while Carvatta stole two bases. Vassallo's three RBIs is a season-high for the Knights. 

Today's competition moves Lynn to 3-3 overall. LU takes the field for day two, February 9 at 4:00 pm verses Colorado Christian. Fans can catch all the action live at LYNNFightingKnights.com. Don't forget to 'Like' us on Facebook and follow @LUKnights on Twitter and Instagram.