Thrilling Opening at Florida Invitational: Samford Softball Earns Split in Exciting Doubleheader!

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Samford softball team kicked off the Florida Invitational today. They played two games, winning one and losing the other, which puts their season record at 10-6.

GAME ONE: SAMFORD – 5 | TROY – 4

Samford faced Troy first and took the win in a close match. The game featured an early run from Troy in the first inning, but pitcher Olivia Treece held strong, escaping a bases-loaded situation without further damage.

In response, McKayla Cothran and Sarah Squillace each hit singles, leading to a scoring opportunity when a Troy error allowed them to cross home plate. The game was tied at 2-2 after a double in the third inning, but Troy regained the lead with a solo homer in the fourth.

With the score at 3-2 against them, the Bulldogs rallied in the sixth. Olivia Shaw and Linsey Hargis both got on base with singles. Then, Grier Bruce hit a crucial three-run homer, putting the Bulldogs ahead 5-3.

In the seventh, Troy hit another homer, closing the gap to 5-4. Fortunately, Bond, who took over for Treece, managed to secure the final outs and earned the win for her performance on the mound.

Bruce contributed significantly to the victory, recording two hits and three RBIs. Bond finished with a solid five innings, allowing two runs on six hits.

GAME TWO: #3 FLORIDA – 9 | SAMFORD – 1

The Bulldogs met their toughest opponent in the evening—Florida, ranked No. 3. Samford started pitcher Jordyn Partain, who faced early trouble, conceding three runs in the first inning. She settled down briefly but let in a couple more runs in the third before giving way to Karley Fuller.

Fuller faced similar challenges in her time on the mound, allowing three earned runs. Samford struggled offensively, managing only four hits throughout the game. Their only run came from a bases-loaded walk by Logan Champion.

In total, the Bulldogs left the bases loaded at one point but could not capitalize on it. The Gators showed their strength, outhitting Samford 12-4.

Samford will look to bounce back tomorrow with two more games—one against Western Michigan at 3:30 p.m. and another against Florida A&M at 6:00 p.m. Western Michigan has a current record of 5-8, while Florida A&M stands at 3-9.

For the latest updates on Samford softball, check out their official website or follow them on social media.

Source link