ST. AUGUSTINE – A seven-run first inning propelled the Flagler College Saints (20-21, 5-13) to a game one win, 9-2, over the Lander University Bearcats (18-12, 4-4). But Lander used a four-run second inning in game two to secure a 7-3 victory and earn a split on Friday.
That was all the run support Flagler starter Haleigh Corbally needed to earn the win and improve to 9-7 on the season. Corbally allowed a run in the first and a run in the third but held Lander scoreless over the remainder of the game. Lexi Griffin fell to 5-5 for Lander as Flagler scored eight times during her two innings of work. After the Saints broke out for seven runs in the first, Conley and Escue supplied some power with homers in the second and sixth inning respectively. Woodard collected three hits in the first game providing a spark for the Saints from the lead-off spot.
The roles were reversed in game two as it was Flagler taking the early edge. Conley blasted her second shot of the doubleheader in the first, but Lander responded with four scores in the second. Reychel Webster came up with the big hit in the frame with a bases clearing triple.
The Saints showed off their power again in the second when Mallory Allen smacked her fourth long ball of the season over the left field wall cutting the deficit to 4-2. But, the Bearcats scored three times in the fourth putting the game out of reach. Clyde doubled in a run before she and Wooten scored on an error. Flagler played small ball to score their third and final run as Woodard reached on a bunt single that plated Hannah Hudson in the fifth. Each side was then held scoreless over the final two innings as Lander took game two by a 7-3 final. Woodard added two more hits to her doubleheader total as she finished with five altogether. Brielle Dougherty matched Woodard by reaching base twice with singles. Callie Reed (7-9) suffered the loss for Flagler allowing four runs during her outing while McKenzi Ferguson (12-6) earned the win surrendering three runs over her seven innings. Tinsley Smith saw action in the circle for the Saints going 5.1 innings. She allowed three runs. Flagler will hit the road to face Saint Leo University in an April 1 doubleheader at Saint Leo, Florida. The first game will get underway at 5 p.m.
