PUERTO VALLARTA, Mex. – It was a frustrating day offensively for the FGCU softball team as the Eagles dropped a pair of games in Mexico Friday. FGCU (5-3) opened the day with a 4-1 loss to Cal State Fullerton (3-4) and later fell 9-0 in five innings to #21 Fresno State (5-3).

In a very uncharacteristic performance, FGCU fell behind early against Cal State Fullerton to start the day and the Eagles were unable to overcome the deficit. The Eagles scattered five hits, all coming after the third inning. FGCU attempted a late comeback in the seventh, putting together three hits to lead off the frame, but the rally would end there for the 4-1 final.

The late momentum did not carry over for FGCU, and the Eagles fell behind 2-0 after the first inning. The Eagles were unable to tally a hit in the contest, marking the first time this year FGCU has been no-hit this season. Fresno State scored three more runs in the second, one in the third and the final three runs in the fourth for the run-rule victory.

"Today was not reflective of the brand of softball we can play," said head coach David Deiros. "We're currently 1-3 this week but the reality is, we have been in a position to win three of the four games we've played. Our focus now shifts to tomorrow and Mississippi State."

FGCU 1, CAL STATE FULLERTON 4
The FGCU bats were silenced against the Titans to start the second day in Mexico. Cal State Fullerton scored two times in the opening frame and held on to the lead throughout, giving FGCU its second consecutive loss.

The Green and Blue loaded the bases in the first inning, but were unable to take advantage of the opportunity, leaving the bases loaded. Cal State Fullerton meanwhile, scored twice in the first inning to grab an early lead.

Despite the scoreline, neither side recorded a base hit until Caley Chappel (Ocala, Fla./Forest HS/USC Upstate) singled to left with two outs in the fourth. The Titans also collected a hit in the fourth, and turned it into two more runs to take a 4-0 lead.

As the game entered the final inning, FGCU broke through. Morgan White (Ocala, Fla./Forest HS) led off the inning with a single, which was followed by base hits from both Morgan Sutherland (Naples, Fla./Barron Collier HS) and Natalie Lopez (Miami, Fla./Westminster Christian HS) to put the Green and Blue on the board. FGCU however was unable to close the gap any further, falling 4-1.

White started the first game of her career, allowing two runs over 0.1 innings. Gabbee Draney (Miami, Fla./Gulliver Prep HS) came on in relief and tossed 5.2 innings, allowing two runs on three hits.

FGCU 0, #21 FRESNO STATE 9 (Five Innings)
FGCU drew three walks in the finale Friday night, falling 9-0 to the #21 Bulldogs.

After falling behind 2-0, the Eagles put two runners on via base on balls in the second but could not bring either home.

The Eagles also put a runner on in the fifth, a Sutherland walk, but the sophomore was stranded on the bases as the game ended.

Taylor Wade (Pace, Fla./Pace HS) suffered the loss. Wade (2-2) tossed four innings, allowing nine runs on nine hits.

UP NEXT
The Eagles close out the Triple Crown Sports Puerto Vallarta Challenge tomorrow against Mississippi State at 3:30 pm.

FOLLOW ALONG
For up-to-the minute information on the FGCU softball program, follow on Twitter @FGCU_Softball and Instagram at fgcusoftball and stay tuned at FGCUAthletics.com.
 
COACH DEIROS
The founding father of FGCU softball, David Deiros recently enters his 15th season as head coach. Hired in 2001 to build the program from the dirt up, Deiros has since guided the Eagles to 11 seasons with a winning record, eight campaigns with 35 wins and a win percentage of .669 (547-271-3). Deiros is a former head coach at the 1998 Florida State Runner-up Lely High School in Naples and is the founding head coach of the 1999 District Champion/2001 Regional Runner-up Gulf Coast High School in Naples.
 
SUPPORT THE CAUSE
FGCU Athletics sponsors events throughout the year to benefit the FGCU Campus Food Pantry (www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry) and the Harry Chapin Food Bank (www.harrychapinfoodbank.org), FGCU Athletics' charities of choice. For more information, including how to make a contribution, please visit www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry and utilize the hashtag #FeedFGCU to help raise awareness.