NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Junior Ashley Niesman became the hero of the game with a two-out walk off hit to help North Florida softball defeat Jacksonville, 6-5, in eight innings in the first game of the ASUN Tournament at Draper Field on Wednesday afternoon.


QUICK GLANCE
Score: North Florida 6, Jacksonville 5 (8 inn.)
Records: North Florida (31-25) | Jacksonville (30-24)
WIN: Morgan Blourne (11-5) | LOSS: Madison Ragan (7-6)

GAMEDAY MEDIA CENTER
Box Score (PDF)

QUICK HITS

• Niesman hit her second hit of the game in the eighth inning to bring in the game-winning run to advance in the ASUN Tournament.
• Freshman Kayla McGory, who scored the run, was 1-for-1 on the day with three walks including two intentional. McGory has now reached base safely in four straight games.
• With her second hit of the day, sophomore Navia Penrod broke the UNF single-season hit record as she was 3-for-5 on the day with a run scored.
• Junior Alex Arciola joined the multiple hit club as she was 2-for-4 on the day. 
• ASUN All-Freshman selection Morgan Blourne earned the win in 1.2 innings of work as she did not surrender a hit or walk.

GAME CAPSULE

• In the eighth with two outs, Niesman stepped to the plate and sent a single to deep left center to bring in McGory from second.
• McGory who reached on a walk two batters prior scored her second run of the game to advance the Ospreys in the bracket.
• Jacksonville struck first with back-to-back jacks over the left field fence to take a 2-0 lead.
• In the bottom of the frame, Dominica Cocuzza sent an two-RBI single to right center to even the game.
• The Dolphins took back the lead with two runs in the top of the third on a two-RBI hit from Heather Roberts. 
• North Florida settled down as Logan Green got the final batter swinging to end any more threats.
• In fitting fashion, the Ospreys followed suit with three runs in the bottom of the third. 
• Ashley Niesman sent a two-out single to left center to score Macayla Kelley and McGory to even the score.
• Senior Jen Valle then stepped to the plate and sent a hit to right field to bring Niesman around for the 5-4 lead.
• Alyssa Bilodeau earned the start and surrendered 10 hits, two walks and five runs, while striking out three in the no decision.
• Ragan earned the loss in 2.1 innings of work with three hits and three walks.

NEXT UP  
North Florida now turns its attention to No. 2 Kennesaw State on Thursday at 10 a.m. UNF took two of three from the Owls during the regular season.