FGCU Softball: Clearwater Invitational Recap Three

Wrapping up on the final day of the Clearwater Invitational Recap, the FGCU Softball team (24-5) defeated Princeton 6-2 finishing 4-1 in the tournament. In the previous four games, the Eagles defeated Chattanooga and St. Joseph 2-1 on day one of the tournament, split day two with a loss to Maine (3-5) and win over Lehigh (4-2).

"Really nice team win to end the weekend," stated head coach David Deiros. "We played well in all facets, I thought we pitched it well and we played some good defense when Princeton put some good pressure on us. I also thought we hit the ball hard all over the field today which really made a difference for us. Great way to end the weekend, we're ready for a couple of good mid-week games and see if we can get ready for our first conference tilts."

Deiros sent Freshman Marissa Mesiemore to pitch against Princeton’s Allie Reynolds. The game was scoreless through two innings, but the Eagles opened up with a four-run third inning. Beginning with a lead-off bunt single from sophomore Kate Kelly, junior Racquel Fournet would then drive Kelly in with an RBI Triple. After senior Brittany McGuire walked, junior Brooke Clemens would then hit a two-RBI double bringing in Fournet and McGuire. Senior Erica Ward would follow with an RBI double of her own bringing in Clemens to give the Eagles a 4-0 lead.

The Tigers attempted to mount a comeback scoring two runs on an Eagle fielding error and an RBI single, but it was all the Tigers could produce.

The Eagles were able to add two more runs in the sixth inning. After back-to-back singles from Kelly and senior Kelsey Huff and a walk from Fournet, McGuire would drive in Kelly and Huff on a two-RBI sacrifice fly before the Eagles secured the final inning.

Mesiemore earned a no-decision after throwing 3.2 innings, giving up two runs on five hits while striking out two batters.

Sophomore Morgan White earned her fifth win after throwing 1.1 scoreless innings.

Huff went 3-for-4 with one run scored. Huff also added one stolen base to the mix.

Kelly and Ward had two hits each while Fournet, Clemens and senior Ashley Swiderski had one hit each.

The Eagles return to action at home as they face Buffalo in a doubleheader at 5 and 7 P.M.