IRSC Drops Conference Matchup On Walk-Off Homerun

OCALA, FL - In a spirited Saturday doubleheader, the Pioneers faced conference foe College of Central Florida for the second time in nine days. Early in the day, CF topped the Pioneers 7-2. The Pioneers' bats were somewhat quiet until the later innings, where runs scored in both the sixth and seventh innings. Shortstop Adriana Portanova was 3-for-4 to lead the offense, who tallied a total of seven hits throughout the game. 

The second game of the day included an exciting finish, unfortunately in the favor of the Patriots. Despite the loss, the Pioneers showcased their prowess at the plate, out-hitting College of Central Florida with a total of 11 hits. Cassidy Patterson led the charge for the Pioneers, delivering an impressive performance with three hits. The Pioneers took a 3-2 lead in the top of the third inning, on a Presley Smith RBI single, followed by Cambrie Todd's double, which drove in two. Smith also doubled in her next at bat, driving in two more to give IRSC a 5-3 advantage heading into the bottom of the fifth. A walk-off solo home run in the bottom of the seventh, ended the back-and-forth, closely contested game with a final score of 6 - 5.

Indian River stole 11 bags successfully on the day, with Patterson nabbing four in game one. Defensively, the Pioneers included two double plays on the day and just one error in the 14 innings played. Pitchers Ciara Gendron, Hanna Deschambault, J'dah Girigorie and Mac Masternak all threw some innings throughout both contests, and combined for a total of 10 strikeouts on the day.

These games concluded the regular season with Indian River finishing 48-9 and 36-8 in conference. Next up is the FCSAA Division I/NJCAA South Atlantic District Softball Championship, May 8-11 in Clearwater, Florida.

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