FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Mar. 31, 2010) - The Nova Southeastern softball team completed the sweep of the Florida Southern Mocs at home Wednesday afternoon, winning 10-3.
"I'm extremely proud of the way we dominated the series," said Head Coach Lesa Boneè. "I think the Rollins series may have been a wakeup call. We still have a lot of softball to play, we have to stay focused and take care of business."
Dana Bergner (Sr., Palm Harbour, Fla.) led the Sharks (30-12, 8-4 SSC) to their third straight victory over the Mocs (19-15, 5-7 SSC) by hitting 2-for-3 at the plate. She scored a run and tallied two RBI. Lauren Lopez (Sr., Miami, Fla.) also batted in two runs and scored once.
The Sharks matched their best first inning of the season by driving in four runs. Noemi Luciani (Sr., Miami, Fla.) led off the game with a single to left center field before Rachel Talenfeld (Jr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) walked. Lopez earned both of her RBI with a double over the center fielder's head.
Jessica Hernandez (Sr., Miami, Fla.) kept the momentum going with a walk and a steal. Brittney Lamb (Sr., West Palm Beach, Fla.) drove home Lopez with a ground out to the pitcher and Hernandez scored on a single from Bergner.
By the bottom of the third inning, the Mocs made it a one run game and were closing in on the Sharks. NSU answered by putting together their best inning in conference play, scoring six runs. Dani Caron (Sr., Wellington, Fla.), Lamb, and Bergner hit three singles in a row which scored one run. Laura Saladrigas (Fr., Hollywood, Fla.) pinch hit and reached on an error that scored another run.
After Patty Rivero (Sr., Miami, Fla.) hit an RBI double to left field, pinch runner Stephanie Pallazolo (Fr., New Port Richey, Fla.) scored on a throwing error by the catcher. Luciani reached base on a fielder's choice and Talenfeld would drive in a run off of a groundball out to the shortstop. Luciani scored the Sharks' final run off of a catching error. The Mocs were held scoreless for the final four innings.
Lexi Sarradet (Jr., Miami, Fla.) and Devin Higginbotham (Jr., Palatka, Fla.) both pitched efficiently Wednesday. Sarradet received her 13th start of the season and held the Mocs to four hits over three innings. Higginbotham earned her eighth win of the season by pitching four shutout innings. She only allowed two hits and walks while striking out one batter.
The Sharks will continue Sunshine State Conference play Thursday, Apr. 1 on the road against Eckerd at 7 pm.
