Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.- Lynn University's softball team dropped the first two games of a Sunshine State Conference series at Nova Southeastern on Saturday afternoon. The Fighting Knights (18-22) move to 4-10 in the SSC while NSU moves to 4-13 in conference. The bats came alive for the Knights in the sixth inning of game one, but it was too late as they dropped the opener 5-2. An early 1-0 lead by LU couldn't stop the Sharks in game two as they went on to win 9-3 in the second game.
Nova Southeastern took a 3-0 lead early in the second inning of game one. Back to back walks to start off the inning placed runners on first and second for the Sharks. A sacrifice bunt by Chelsea Emery set Shelby Talon up for a two RBI-single. The Sharks added another run Talon would score on a fielding error by Christina Carvatta in left field before Murray, backed by Lynn's defense was able to get out of a bases loaded jam.
NSU added two more runs on two hits in the bottom of the fifth inning. Lynn's offense came alive in the top of the seventh inning. A lead-off single by Anne Marie Van Casteren started the LU rally. Jasmine Campos reached on a fielder's choice, when the Sharks threw out Van Casteren at second base.
Carvatta singled with a bunt, advancing Campos to second. Campos went to third on a throwing error by the Sharks to place runners on first and second for LU. Back-to-back RBI-singles from Cydney Schmidt and Danielle McNeill would score the only two runs for the Blue and White. Lynn would score two runs on four hits before the final out for the 5-2 loss.
Murray pitched four and a third innings striking out three batters before Missy Montgomery came in for the final five outs, allowing just one hit. Murray (9-13) is credited with the loss while Garcia advances to 3-3 overall in the circle for the Sharks. Murray went two-for-three at the plate while four other Knights picked up hits.
In the second game, Lynn's offense came alive early when Murray worked a thirteen-pitch at bat. A double to deep center field scored Kochergen, who reached base when she was hit by a pitch. The Sharks halted LU's offense and took a 4-1 lead in the bottom of the third when they scored four runs on four hits to take a 4-1 lead.
NSU added three more runs in the bottom of the fourth to lead 7-1. Similar to the opening game of the series, LU built a rally in the top of the sixth inning with a lead-off double from Kaci Vassallo. After advancing to third on a passed ball, Vassallo scored when Van Casteren doubled to left center field for the Knights to trail 7-2. Van Casteren scored on a wild pitch giving the Fighting Knights their third run of the game. Nova Southeastern secured the win added two insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to win 9-3 after retiring the Blue and White with two runners on base in the top of the seventh.
Savulak went two-for-four while Van Casteren, Murray and Vassallo all logged extra base hits. Montgomery (8-9) pitched three and a third innings for the loss before Murray came in for two and two thirds to close the game.
The final game of the series, which was originally scheduled for Friday night, is Sunday, April 7. First pitch is set for 1 pm. Fans can log on towww.LynnFightingKnights.com to catch all the action live. Don't forget to 'Like" us on Facebook and follow @LUKnights on Twitter and Instagram.
