VIERA, Fl. – The Monroe University softball team (13-9 overall) split its last games at the Space Coast Games on Sunday afternoon, defeating Williston State 11-4 and falling to Illinois Central College 3-2.

HOW IT HAPPENED Game 1

·      After two scoreless innings, the Cougars jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning off an RBI single to center field.

·      The Mustangs tied the game at 1-1 off an error by the shortstop in the bottom of the inning to even the score.

·      A steal of home by Zoe Thomson in the bottom of the fifth inning gave the Mustangs a 2-1 lead.

·      Illinois Central took the lead and the win in the top of the sixth inning off a two-RBI double to give them the 3-2 lead and victory.

Game 2

·      The Mustangs jumped out to a 2-0 lead off an error by the second baseman, which scored two runs in the top of the first inning.

·      Shortly after, a triple by Gabriella Pugliese scored a run to give the Mustangs a 3-0 lead.

·      Monroe added one more run in the inning off a line drive out to end the first inning with Monroe ahead 4-0.

·      The Mustangs kept piling on runs in the top of the third inning off a Carsyn O'Daniels triple which scored one run to put the Mustangs ahead 5-0.

·      Zoe Thomson followed with an RBI single to right field to put the Mustangs in a comfortable 6-0 lead.

·      Williston State added one run in the bottom of the third inning off an RBI single to cut the Mustangs' lead to 6-1.

·      In the top of the seventh inning, the Mustangs led off with an RBI single by Alexis Ortiz to put the Mustangs ahead 7-1.

·      A passed ball then scored in Amanda Reyes to give the Mustangs an 8-1 lead.

·      Ortiz then scored off an error by the first baseman to increase the Mustangs' lead to 9-1.

·      An RBI single by Kerris Johnson scored a run to put the Mustangs ahead 10-1.

·      Johnson later scored in the inning to put the Mustangs ahead 11-1.

·      In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Tetons scored three more runs off an error at first base and a two-RBI double, resulting in an 11-4 victory for the Mustangs.

STATS AND NOTES

·      Monroe holds a 4-1 lead in the all-time series with Williston State.

·      Illinois Central takes a 2-1 lead in the all-time series with the Mustangs.

·      Zoe Thomson started in game two for the Mustangs, going 3.2 innings, allowing three hits, one run, and struck out two batters.

·      In game one, Jaleila Aupont pitched all seven innings, allowing six hits, three runs, and struck out 10 batters. It was the fourth time this season she's struck out 10 or more batters in a single game.

·      Kerris Johnson had a powerful day at the dish in game two, going 3-4 with one RBI.

UP NEXT

·      The Mustangs return to action on Friday, March 20, when they travel to face West Virginia University Potomac State College. The first pitch is at 12:00 p.m.