FGCU Softball: FGCU Kickoff Classic Day Three Recap

 The FGCU softball team (4-1) suffered its first loss of the season to UConn (3-2) Sunday afternoon in a 7-3 decision at the FGCU Softball Complex.

"It was a really solid weekend but I don't think we really hit on all cylinders today," said head coach David Deiros. "We came out as tournament champions with a 4-1 record and had some chances in today's game, but we let it slip away in the middle innings. It's on to the next week from here against some really good teams including nationally ranked Arkansas twice."

 Scoreless after one inning, UConn broke out in the top of the second with four runs on three hits including one error. FGCU was able to cut into the deficit in the bottom half of the third as Johneisha Rowe hit a leadoff double to center and then scored on a wild pitch from second. The visitors added to their lead scratching a run across in the fifth and two more in the sixth.

The Eagles were able to narrow the lead down to four in the bottom of the sixth with a two-run home run from Mikenzie Vaughn. Hope Hernandez led off the frame with a single when Vaughn scorched the line drive home run with two outs.

Marissa Mesiemore gets tagged with the loss moving her to 2-1 after four innings of work. Emily Estroff and Taylor Bauman tossed the final three frames. At the plate, Rowe finished 2-for-4 with a run scored and a stolen base.

Up Next:
FGCU returns to the diamond Thursday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. to take on Furman to kick off the FGCU Invite which takes place Feb. 13-16. Including another contest with Furman, the Eagles will face No. 20 Arkansas (twice), Memphis and University of Illinois-Chicago.