GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Red Flash softball team (11-10; 0-0) split its inaugural day at the Spartan Classic, picking up a 3-0 win over Delaware State in game one, but falling to UNCG in game two, 3-1.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
» Marissa Frederick collected her first shutout against Delaware State, striking out three while limiting the Hornets to three hits.
» Three RBI singles by Mekenzie Saban, Rachel Marsden and Lindsay Ward provided enough padding for Saint Francis to beat Delaware State, 3-0.
» UNCG thwarted Saint Francis' attempt at a sweep, as a two-run fifth inning lifted the Spartans to a 3-1 win.
FLASH QUOTES
» "I thought we came out well in game one. I was pleased with Marissa's performance. The hitting was good, the defense played well behind Marissa, and she did a good job getting ahead of hitters." - Head Coach Jessica O'Donnell on game one
» "We got in that situation — first inning, bases loaded, needing a big hit to really put pressure on the other team — again, and I know we'll come around eventually. I thought we had some really solid hits in the game that were, unfortunately, right at the defenders. I'm seeing the progress and the growth, but eventually, we need to pull the trigger in those moments. With more games and more experience, we'll get better from it." - O'Donnell on game two
» "I was very pleased with Marissa's performance. Another solid performance for her. I thought she did a good job at getting ahead, as she got ahead of 16 of the 25 batters she faced, which is outstanding. Up until this point, her role has been 'be ready to go in at any moment' and I think she's really been prepared for that, and when she gets the ball, she takes care of batters, eliminates walks and trust her defense." - O'Donnell on Frederick's performance
» "There were definitely some nerves during the game, but I just kept thinking 'we need to get outs' and it was a good way to overcome them and keep rolling. Also, knowing my teammates have my back makes it easier to throw, even if I miss a spot or if there's a hit in the gap, I know that they'll do whatever they can to get the out." - Freshman Marissa Frederick
» "There's a reason we were able to fight today, especially with our gameplay this week. We've been focusing on line drives and hard hits instead of pop-ups, so I think that's what's allowing us to get to 'that place' along with the routines we have in warm-ups. Each week they're more refined and I feel like we're finding that niche in our routines and that's what's allowing us to have those multi-hit innings each game." - Graduate Mekenzie Saban on team coming together ahead of conference play
TURNING POINTS OF THE GAME - GAME 1
» Marissa Frederick led off her first collegiate start with a strikeout to Delaware State's Gabriela Garcia, and followed that with two consecutive ground outs.
» Both teams held each other scoreless until the third inning. Sydney Baker doubled to lead off the inning and was later brought in on a single to left by Mekenzie Saban.
» Saint Francis held a one-run lead until the bottom of the sixth. Olivia Ulam doubled to right center with one out and would come in to score on a RBI single by Jordan Frank. Rachel Marsden followed that with a single of her own to extend the Red Flash lead to three.
» Frederick sealed the win in the seventh as she set down the Hornets in order, capped off with her third strikeout of the game.
TURNING POINTS OF THE GAME - GAME 2
» After both teams held each other scoreless throughout the first inning, Jordan Gontram gave UNCG the lead in the second with a solo home run to center.
» The Spartans' lead, however, would be short-lived as Mekenzie Saban evened the scoring in the third with a solo home run, her third this season.
» UNCG threatened in the bottom of the third, as Grace Loftin lined a hit off the right field wall but was stopped en route to second by a throw from Jordan Frank.
» The Spartans' bats sparked for two runs in the fifth inning. Blayke Batten singled in the go-ahead run to right field, while Loftin scored the second on a fielder's choice a few hitters later.
» Saint Francis would fight in the top of the seventh, as Lexi Hernandez garnered a one-out single to shallow right field, but UNCG's Morgan Scott struck out the next two hitters to end the game.
FLASH NUGGETS
» Marissa Frederick collected multiple firsts against Delaware State, including her first collegiate start, win and shutout. She now has 9.2 innings of shutout pitching this season.
» Mekenzie Saban picked up her 208th career hit and 148th run with her solo home run against UNCG. The game also marked Saban's 195th game played with Saint Francis.
» Jordan Frank owns a three-game hitting streak after collecting two hits against Delaware St. and one against UNCG. She's now gone 4-for-9 (.444) at the plate in her last three games.
» Jordan Pietrzykoski now has eight multi-hit games on the season after going 2-for-3 against UNCG.
» Saban and Pietrzykoski are tied for the team lead in defensive assists on the season (55).
» The win against Delaware State was Head Coach Jessica O'Donnell's 195th career win at Saint Francis.
UP NEXT
Saint Francis (11-10, 0-0) returns to UNCG Softball Complex Sunday morning against Elon, after its Saturday doubleheader was canceled due to impending weather.
