Box Score Davie, Fla.- Lynn University's softball team beat Nova Southeastern on Thursday night in the first game of the three-game Sunshine State Conference series, 6-1. Missy Montgomery earned the win in the circle for the Fighting Knights while sophomore Sara Vazquez drove in three runs on a bases clearing triple in the top of the fourth inning. Jasmine Campos hit her first inside-the-park home run of her career in the victory en route to the SSC win for the Blue & White as Lynn improves to 18-14 overall and 8-5 in league play.
Through the first three innings it was a quiet and quick game but when the Fighting Knights took to the field in the top of the fourth inning the game would change. A one-out single up the middle by Campos started the Blue & White's scoring spree. Manya Lopez singled to center field placing runners on first and second and a bunt single by Amanda Casillas loaded the bases for Francais Olexa. Olexa singled through the left side plating the first run of the inning for Lynn. Vazquez hit a bases clearing triple to deep center field for a 4-0 Fighting Knights lead. A RBI single by Carvatta scored Vazquez giving the Fighting Knights a 5-0 lead.
Maegan Lee drove in a run for the Sharks in the bottom half of the frame cutting the NSU deficit to four runs on a single to right field. Campos made it a 6-1 Blue & White lead in the top of the fifth inning with an inside-the-park home run down the right field line.
NSU put runners on first and second but a groundball to Vazquez at second base gave her the opportunity to tag out the Sharks baserunner to end the inning. NSU set Lynn down in order in the sixth inning and was unable to capitalize on a leadoff walk as Montgomery escaped the inning setting down the next three Sharks in order. Leanne Wright gave the Fighting Knights its first baserunner with a single through the right side. McEnery reached on a fielder's choice but a groundout by Campos ended the inning with one runner on base.
Nova Southeastern was unable to rally down to its final three outs despite a lead-off walk. Montgomery struck out back-to-back batters in the bottom of the seventh and retired the side on a groundout to third base sealing the win for the Blue & White.
Montgomery (11-4) threw a complete game allowing one run on five hits for her career-best 11th win over the season. Vazquez drove in three runs for the Blue & White and was joined by Campos and Lopez who all had two hits in the game. Rebecca Thorton allowed six earned runs on 11 hits by the Fighting Knights in earning the loss in the circle for the Sharks.
The two teams return to the diamond on Friday, April 3, for the doubleheader of the SSC series. First pitch is set for 1 pm at Nova Southeastern University. Fans can follow the action live at LynnFightingKnights.com. Don't forget to 'Like' us on Facebook and follow @Lynn_Knights on Twitter and Instagram for in-game updates.
