The River Wins Two on Sophomore Day

FORT PIERCE, FL- On Saturday, April 20th, Indian River paid tribute to and honored the 2024 class of sophomores.

This has been a very special group, winning big both on and off the field. Academically, this class posted the highest GPA in the program's history, and all 10 student-athletes will be graduating this spring. Most have also been receiving interest from D1, D2, and NAIA coaches from across the country. Collectively, in the last two seasons, Kendal Bryant, Maddox Thomas, Zoe Thornsbury, Cambrie Todd, Emma Solis, Ariana Murillo, Adrianna Portanova, Mackenzie Masternak, Dora Santoyo, and Cassidy Patterson have greatly contributed to the team's 94 wins during that span. They have helped Indian River qualify both years for the FCSAA/ NJCAA D1 Region 8 State Championship and have catapulted the Pioneers to a number 3 National ranking.

On Saturday, the team won both games against Santa Fe to further celebrate the day's activities. Game one saw Sarah Phipps drive in the go-ahead and game-winning run in the bottom of the fifth, on a line drive double down the left-field line, scoring Bryant. Pinch runner Jordyn Lillis earlier scored in the bottom of the second inning after stealing third base and then advancing home on a wild pitch. The 1-0 lead was short-lived with Santa Fe answering on a solo home run in the top of the third. The Pioneers closed out the game with J'dah Girigorie striking out the last two Saints' batters to complete the 2-1 victory. Girigorie struck out nine in the contest and walked none. Game two was another low-scoring affair with Indian River winning 1-0. Ciara Gendron pitched six innings in earning the win for the Pioneers. The freshman gave up just four hits while striking out six. The bottom of the sixth proved to be the winning formula with a lead-off single from Presley Smith, followed by a double from Todd, and then a sacrifice fly to right-center field from Thomas. The two wins improved Indian River's conference record to 35-5.

Next up for the Pioneers will be at home for the last time this season, facing off against Florida Southwestern State College on Tuesday, April 23rd (4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.).

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