BOCA RATON, Fla. - The Lynn softball team jumped out to an early lead and threatened late, but a mid-game surge from Florida Southern proved to be the difference as the Fighting Knights fell 4-2 in the Sunshine State Conference series opener on Friday afternoon. Lynn struck first behind an RBI double from Teagan Riley and later cut the deficit to one, but the Mocs responded with timely hitting and held off a late bases-loaded opportunity to secure the win.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Gabriella Lindsey and the Lynn defense delivered a quick top of the first, utilizing a quick strikeout on the lead-off batter to get things rolling
- The Blue and White struck first in the bottom of the frame as Teagan Riley delivered a standup double to bring Kyleigh Hope home and give Lynn an early 1-0 lead
- Florida Southern answered back with a flurry of hits to take its first lead of the afternoon, plating three runs in the top of the third
- Lynn answered back in the bottom of the fourth as Kylee Dodson entered with bases-loaded, utilizing a groundout to bring a runner across and cut the Mocs' lead to one, 3-2
- The Mocs retook its two-run lead in the top of the sixth delivering well-timed knocks, eventually bringing a runner across to go up 4-2
- The Fighting Knights loaded the bases in the sixth looking to deliver a spark however a timely strikeout from the Mocs held off Lynn, 4-2
- Florida Southern returned the favor, quickly loading the bases in the top of the seventh, but a fly out to center ended the Mocs' late threat
- Lynn utilized a late hit from Riley to attempt a rally however the Mocs secured the final out to take the series opener, 4-2
 
FIGHTING KNIGHT STATS:
- Riley led the Lynn offense, going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI
- Marina Goins added a hit and a double, finishing 1-for-3 at the plate
- Kaela Santiago recorded Lynn's second run scored alongside a 1-for-2 effort with a walk
- Cara Willis and Kylie Burden each contributed a hit, combining to go 2-for-4
- Dodson drove in a run with a pinch-hit RBI groundout in the fourth inning
- Lynn tallied six hits as a team, with two going for extra bases
- Lindsey took the loss, allowing three runs on seven hits over 2.2 innings with two strikeouts
- Kayley Zazzali provided solid relief, tossing 4.1 innings while allowing one run and striking out none
 
UP NEXT:
The Fighting Knights will close out the SSC clash with the Mocs on Saturday afternoon with a series-finale doubleheader at 12 p.m.