University of North Florida
FIU
Ospreys Closeout Weekend with Loss to FIU, 5-4
2/14/2010 9:30:56 PM | Softball
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida came within one run of tying FIU in the fifth inning with a two-run home run by junior Caroline Torre, but closed out the weekend's tournament with a 5-4 loss to FIU.
The Ospreys opened up the first inning with a run, produced by senior Devyn Findley's base hit, that brought home sophomore Britanie Block, who led off the inning with a walk.
FIU followed the bottom of the first with the help of two base hits and a walk that brought in lead-off hitter Kayla Burri with two outs. With one out to go and runners on first and third the Golden Panthers pressured the Ospreys with a steal. Brie Rojas was gunned-down by senior Airen Payne with Block applying the tag.
Both FIU and UNF, after the first inning remained scoreless until the top of the fourth when the Ospreys took a 2-1 lead with the help of FIU's first baseman committing an error and keeping UNF's rally alive.
After going 20.2 innings the past two days, Findley stumbled in the fourth inning. In the bottom of the inning, FIU's Kelsie Grabiak registered a left field single to drive in Jackie Tetlow to give FIU its first lead of the game at 3-2. Then freshman Jessy Alfonfso increased the Golden Panthers' lead to 5-2 with a two-RBI double finishing FIU's four run inning to surpass the Ospreys.
Sophomore Shaina Dent replaced Findley in the fourth inning with bases loaded and one out and got two key fly outs to hold FIU at five runs.
The Ospreys came within one run in the top of the fifth with a two-run home run by Torre but UNF would not be able to drive in the game tying run, stranding Block on second base after FIU went to its bullpen for a pitching change.
UNF will play its home opener hosting Troy on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 3 p.m. at the UNF Softball Complex.
