>> Softball won both games to open the FIU Classic, defeating Toledo 2-1 and Eastern Illinois 6-5.
Saint Francis had a 2-0 lead over Toledo heading into the bottom of the sixth inning. The Rockets scored on a fielding error to cut the Red Flash lead, but Saint Francis's defense held onto the lead, including a strikeout by
The Red Flash put up four runs in the fifth inning to tie the game against Eastern Illinois at 5-5. Aliya Garroway reached on a throwing error, giving AB Cipalla and Savannah Nash the scoring opportunity. Olivia Ulam doubled to center field. After a pitching change by the Panthers, Garroway scored on a wild pitch with Ulam advancing to third. Addison Deal hit a single down the left side, allowing Ulam to score the tying run.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Garroway hit a single up the middle for Hannah Bendle to score the winning run.
FLASH QUOTE
"The team is continuing to come together and find their chemistry on the field. As a coach, it is great to see them trust in the process and each other." -- head coach
Beth Krysiak on the team
FLASH MOMENTS
With Garroway on third and Ulam on second, Sofia Zielinski grounded out to second base, allowing Garroway to score against Toledo.
In the top of the fifth inning, Bendle hit a single through the right side before stealing second. Nash singled up the middle, giving Bendle the opportunity to extend the Saint Francis lead to 2-0 over the Rockets.
Against Eastern Illinois, Ulam hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Cipalla in the bottom of the first inning.
FLASH NUGGETS
Nash led batting in the first game of the day, going 2-for-3.
Cipalla also went 2-for-3 in the second game, scoring two runs.
Ulam combined for 14 putouts on the day.
Braly pitched all seven innings against Toledo, allowing one unearned run with four strikeouts and one walk.
Kolowitz got the start in the win against the Panthers, pitching 4.1 innings and allowing five runs (four earned) with one strikeout and two walks. Deal pitched the remaining 2.2 innings, striking out one and walking one while allowing no hits.
UP NEXT
The Red Flash will face Bradley and Florida International on Saturday at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m.