St. Augustine, FL – The Wheeling University Softball team (2-12, 0-0) had a break on Wednesday but returned to the field on Thursday against Flagler University. The Cardinals started strong, but inconsistencies led to them losing both games in the doubleheader. In game one, they narrowly lost 5-3 and faced a tough game two, ending in an 8-0 shutout.
Game One: Flagler 5, Wheeling 3
After a day off, the Cardinals kicked things off with some energy. Ava Kresak led the charge with a single, and a sacrifice bunt moved her into scoring position. A single from Amber Morgan saw Kresak sprint home, giving the Cardinals a 1-0 lead. Kaylin Shields, pitching for Wheeling, kept Flagler scoreless in the first inning. She carried this momentum into the second, leaving a runner stranded at third base.
In the third inning, Keke Warrix walked and stole second, igniting another scoring opportunity. Although two outs followed, Morgan delivered her second single, and Maria Clark brought home another run with a groundout. Wheeling expanded their lead to 2-0. However, things took a turn as Flagler scored three runs in the bottom of the third, shifting the score to 3-2 in their favor.
Wheeling fought back. In the fifth inning, Morgan hit a double, leading to Clark’s walk and an equalizing two-out single from Brooklyn Sanders, making it 3-3. Unfortunately, Flagler responded with a run in both the fifth and sixth innings, sealing the game at 5-3 for them. Shields pitched the entire game, allowing five runs on ten hits.
Amber Morgan stood out offensively, going 3-for-3 with a double. Overall, the Cardinals had two RBIs, credited to Maria Clark and Brooklyn Sanders. Ava Kresak and Keke Warrix also contributed with hits, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
Game Two: Flagler 8, Wheeling 0
Looking to bounce back in game two, Maria Clark took the mound for Wheeling. However, Flagler’s offense was overwhelming, scoring four runs in the first inning against her. Clark only lasted 1.1 innings before Kaylin Shields came back in to pitch. Shields managed to hold Flagler to just four more runs over three innings, but the damage was done.
The Cardinals struggled at bat, with no luck in the early innings. Kylea Chapple eventually got the first hit for Wheeling, followed by a single from Aaliyah Walker. Despite these efforts, they couldn’t convert these opportunities into runs. Flagler put up two more runs in the fifth, ending the game under the eight-run mercy rule with an 8-0 score.
Kylea Chapple and Aaliyah Walker were the stars on offense with their singles. As the team wraps up their Florida trip, they’ll look to find success in their next match against Columbus State on March 7. The game is scheduled for 4:45 PM, followed by another against Felician at 7:05 PM.
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