SCF Softball Splits with Kalamazoo Valley

The SCF softball team (17-9) were able to survive with a split against Kalamazoo Valley (1-5) in two close games losing game one 3-2 before winning game two 2-1. With the split, the Manatees are now 5-1 against the Cougars.

"We really have to work on our timely hitting," said head coach Mandy Schuerman. "Both games we didn't do well executing that portion of it. We must get better."

"I think for both of the games we definitely didn't hit as well as our ability to," said sophomore Madi LoCastro. "And that came back to hurt us the first game, but we pulled threw in the second game and was able to capitalize on the win."

Game One:
For game one, Schuerman sent freshman Samantha Hampton to the mound, while KVCC head coach Morgan VanderBor sent sophomore Ariana Rowe to counter.

While the first two innings was a pitcher's battle, the Cougars would strike first at the top of the third after freshman Jayme Koning reached first on an error while classmate Mykenzie Domeier scored. At the top of the fourth, the Cougars would add another run after sophomore Kayla Yore drew a bases loaded walk to make it 2-0 KVCC.

At the bottom of the fifth, the Manatees would avoid being shut out as freshman Lauren Lightbody would score on a passed ball, but the Cougars would answer back after Koning hit a leadoff solo shot to center for a 3-1 KVCC lead at the top of the seventh.

The Manatees would try to mount a comeback after loading the bases with freshman Lauren Hutcherson sending sophomore Makayla Benavidez home before freshman Kristin Kopp popped out to end the game.

Rowe would get her first win of the season after throwing a complete game, giving up two unearned runs on five hits with seven walks and four strikeouts. Rowe is now 1-1 on the year.

Hampton would go to 3-3 on the year after the loss giving up two runs on eight hits with three strikeouts in three and two-thirds innings.

Sophomore Ashlee Zientek gave up one run on two hits with four walks and four strikeouts in three and a third innings, while going 2-for-2 with a triple. She was the only Manatee with a multi-hit game.

Lightbody, Hutcherson and Benavidez had the remaining Manatees three hits. Lightbody and Benavidez also added a stolen base each.

Freshman Olivia Fee was the only Cougar with a multi-hit game as she went 2-for-3. Koning and Yore had the Cougars lone two RBI.

Game Two:
Hoping to bounce back, Schuerman sent LoCastro to the mound, while VanderBor sent Fee to counter.

After the first two innings were a pitchers battle yet again, Fee would buckle first in the bottom of the third. After a one-out single by freshman Maddie Koczersut before moving to second on a sacrifice bunt by Lightbody, classmate Lilly Salazar would send a single to right, with the infield in, and bring Koczersut home before stealing second. This was then followed by an RBI single by Hutcherson to send Salazar home for a 2-0 SCF lead.

The Cougars would then get on the board at the top of the fifth after an RBI single by sophomore Morgan Lenox, but the Manatees were able to hold on to the lead with strong defense for the win.

LoCastro would come out with her third win of the season, putting her at 3-2 on the year, after throwing a two-hit complete game, giving up one unearned run with five strikeouts.

"It feels good to get the win," said LoCastro on her game. "I definitely felt like I could control and be able to keep it as a close game and we could get the win."

Fee would be dubbed with her second loss after throwing five innings, giving up both runs on six hits with one walk and one strikeout. Fee was also 1-for-3 at the plate.

Koczersut was the only Manatee with a multi-hit game in game two as she finished 2-for-3.

Salazar and Hutcherson each had one hit and one RBI. Salazar added a stolen base on her part.

Zientek went 1-for-3 and finished 3-for-5 on the series. Freshman Emily Hughes went 1-for-3 in game two.

Koning and Lenox had the Cougars' other two hits.

Notes:
Schuerman's one win in the series put her at 195 career wins as head coach for the Manatees and needs five to reach 200 career wins.

Other Suncoast Scores:
St. Pete (17-7) swept North Idaho (2-4) 9-1 (5) and 9-6 at home March 1. The Titans will welcome Oakland CC Tuesday afternoon, March 3 at 4 and 6 pm.

#3 Florida Southwestern (17-2) split with #2 Central Florida (24-1) winning game one 12-8 before losing game two 7-5 February 28. The Buccaneers will be back in action against Kalamazoo Valley Tuesday afternoon, March 3 at 4 and 6 pm.

Hillsborough (11-11) split with Pasco-Hernando (10-6) February 22 losing game one 11-10 before winning game two 5-1. The Hawks will welcome Lake Sumter (14-12) Tuesday night, March 3 at 5 and 7 pm.

Polk State (6-12) dropped their doubleheader to #10 Seminole State (22-1) 18-5 and 14-6, both via mercy rule. The Eagles will face Daytona State (5-13) Tuesday afternoon, March 3 at 3 and 5 pm.

South Florida State (7-15) dropped a doubleheader to Santa Fe (14-12) losing by scores of 12-4 (6) and 8-0 (5). The Panthers will welcome Santa Fe for a rematch Thursday afternoon, March 5 at 4 and 6 pm.

Up Next:
The Manatees will wrap up their eight-game homestead as they welcome Eastern Florida State (11-8, 4-1 Southern) Wednesday afternoon, March 4 at 4 and 6 pm.