SCF Softball Sweeps Lake Sumter

The SCF softball team (5-5) were able to get back to even on their record as they swept Lake Sumter State (7-8) 7-5 for game one and 5-2 for game two. With the sweep, the Manatees are now 25-2 against the Lakehawks.

Game One:
For game one, head coach Mandy Schuerman sent sophomore Madi LoCastro to the mound, while Lake Sumter head coach Jay Miller sent Kayla Reichardt to counter.

The Lakehawks would be the first to strike on the scoreboard first after RBI doubles by sophomores Casey Allen and Nicole Smith, an RBI single by freshman Brittany Shirley and classmate Genesis Aviles scoring on a stolen base for a 4-0 LSSC lead in the bottom of the first. The Lakehawks would add one more run in the bottom of the second after a second RBI double by Allen for a 5-0 LSSC lead.

At the top of the fourth, the Manatees were finally able to get on the board. After freshman Emily Hughes was hit by a pitch with one out and classmate Kristin Kopp followed with a two-out single, freshman Lilly Salazar would bring in Hughes for the Manatees first run with an RBI single for a 5-1 LSSC lead. Following freshman Samantha Hampton reaching base on a fielding error to load the bases, freshman Lauren Lightbody would send Kopp and Salazar home to the cut the Lakehawks lead to 5-3 before the end of the top half.

At the top of the fifth, the Manatees would finally get the rally they were waiting upon. The Manatees would start with a one out single by sophomore Madelyn Graham. After Hughes reached base on a fielding error, LoCastro would load the bases with a single for Kopp. This would signal the end for Reichardt as Miller would then send in sophomore Brandi Davis for relief. On the first pitch, Kopp would send a single to center to bring in Graham and Hughes and tie the game at 5-5. Two batters later, Hampton would give the Manatees the lead with a two-RBI double for a 7-5 SCF lead. This would eventually be the dagger for the Manatees to get the win.

LoCastro would be dubbed with a no-decision after giving up all five runs on seven hits in two innings. LoCastro was also 1-for-4 with a run scored.

Hulme would get the win for the Manatees after throwing five scoreless innings with four strikeouts. Hulme is now 2-2 this season.

For the Manatees offense, Lightbody went 3-for-4 with two RBI, while Kopp went 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored and Hampton went 1-for-3 with two RBI.

Graham (1-for-4, one run scored), Salazar (1-for-4, one RBI and one run scored) and freshman Maddie Koczersut (1-for-4) had the Manatees other lone hits.

Reichardt would get the loss after giving up six runs (one earned) on eight hits with one walk and one strikeout in 4.1 innings.

Davis gave up one run on two hits in 2.2 innings.

Allen, Smith and freshman Emily Kolwicz each had two hits. Allen had the team only multi-RBI game.

Game Two:
For game two, Schuerman sent Hampton to the mound to start while Miller sent sophomore Sarah Grindrod to counter.

The Lakehawks would get on the board first in the bottom of the second after an RBI single by freshman Kierstyn Kohlmaier, but the Manatees would fire back at the top of the third. Beginning with Lightbody hitting a one-out single before being called out after sophomore Makayla Benavidez reached on a fielder's choice, Koczersut would hit a single and before Graham opened SCF's floodgates with a line drive single to center and bring Benavidez home. After Hughes was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Kopp would send Koczersut and Graham home with a two-RBI single to center for a 3-1 SCF lead.

In the bottom of the third, the Lakehawks would cut the Manatees lead to 3-2 after an RBI single by Payton Chestnutt, but the Manatees would add some insurance runs at the top of the fifth. After Graham was hit by a pitch before moving to third on a double by Hughes, Graham would score on a passed ball for a 4-2 SCF lead before Kopp sent Hughes home on a groundout, which would be the deciding factors the Manatees second win.

Hampton would get her second win of the season, putting her at 2-1 on the year after giving up runs (one earned) on 10 hits with three strikeouts for a complete game.

Koczersut would be the only Manatee with a multi-hit game as she went 2-for-4 with a run scored. Koczersut would finish the series 3-for-8. Kopp would go 1-for-3 with three RBI and finish 3-for-7 with five RBI.

Graham (1-for-4, one RBI and two runs scored), Lightbody (1-for-4), Hughes (1-for-3, one run scored), LoCastro (1-for-3) and Salazar (1-for-3) had the Manatees other lone hits. Lightbody finished 4-for-8 with two RBI.

Grindrod would be dubbed with her second loss of the season after giving up five runs on eight hits with one walk in 4.2 innings. Sophomore Cissy Doolittle threw 2.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

Aviles led the Lakehawks offensively after going 3-for-3 with a run scored and a stolen base. Chestnutt would finish 2-for-2 with an RBI.

Notes:
With the sweep, Schuerman now has 182 wins in her career with the Manatees as head coach.

Up Next:
The Manatees will now have their home opener at the SCF Softball Complex Saturday afternoon, February 15 at noon and 2 pm. The Manatees will welcome ASA Miami (0-2) for the doubleheader.