FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern Softball team made their long-awaited season debut following an SSC Championship the previous season. The Sharks split a pair of non-conference matchups, falling to Alabama Huntsville 3-1 before defeating the Chargers 4-1, powered by a four-run second inning.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP (GAME ONE)
Score: Nova Southeastern 1 (L: K. Ellard, 0-1), Alabama Huntsville 3 (L: M. Shurtz, 1-0)
Records: Nova Southeastern (0-1), Alabama Huntsville (1-0)
Location: AD Griffin Sports Complex | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
TOP 2nd | Alabama Huntsville struck first, recording a single to left field to bring a runner across home plate. In the ensuing at bat, the Chargers singled up the middle, putting another score on the board.
BOT 2nd | With one out on the board, Elise Eason singled to left field, which was followed by another hit from Alyssa Drogemuller, putting two Sharks on base. Unfortunately, NSU was unable to capitalize with the runners on base, leaving a runner on first and third.
BOT 6th | Tia Williams got it started for NSU, hitting a single to center field for her first hit of the game. Shortly after, a SAC bunt by Eason allowed Madison Fine and Williams to advance to 2nd and 3rd respectively. Drogemuller then grounded out to shortstop which allowed Williams to score the first run of the game for the Sharks.
BOT 7th | Alexis Smith singled to get on base and Ryleigh Langwell followed suit, doubling to right center, advancing Smith to third. The Sharks were unable to bring a run home, dropping game one against UAH.
INSIDE THE STATS:
INSIDE THE MATCHUP (GAME TWO)
Score: Nova Southeastern 4 (W: J. Allen, 1-0), Alabama Huntsville 1 (L: J. Thompson, 0-1)
Records: Nova Southeastern (1-1), Alabama Huntsville (1-1)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
TOP 1st | The Chargers put the first run on the board, thanks to an RBI single to center field.
BOT 2nd | Madison Fine singled up the middle to get on base. Shortly after, freshman Whitney Kelly recorded her first collegiate hit to put two runners on base. The hitting barrage continued for the Sharks, with Emily Thomas notching a single down the left field line to load the bases. Alexis Smith followed suit, hitting a ball to the right field line, which resulted in a triple and brought three runners through home plate for NSU. Langwell wanted to be a part of the action, recording a single to left field, bringing Smith home and increasing the Shark lead to 4-1.
TOP 7th | Drogemuller closed out the game for NSU and shut out UAH, giving the Sharks their first victory of the 2023 season.
INSIDE THE STATS:
UPCOMING
NSU will take the field again tomorrow, Saturday, February 4th , and take on Valdosta State University at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the AD Griffin Sports Complex.
