FORT MYERS, Fla. -
Meagan Ricks hit the first home run of the season for the Eagles in a 2-0 win over Akron and
McKenzie Wittenberg came off the bench against Delaware to spark the two-run inning to lead FGCU to another win.
"I knew as a pinch hitter coming into the game I had to do anything to get the rally going," Wittenberg said. "It felt really good to get the team going."
FGCU 2, Delaware 0
The first game of the day for the Eagles started with
Ally Hulme on the mound. Hulme was dealing, going five innings, giving up no runs, and only allowing five to reach base. In the sixth,
Angelina Bonilla took the ball from Hulme and recorded her first save of the season, recording two innings of perfect softball.
The first inning was eventful with
Riley Oakes swiping second.
Tiffany Meek joined Oakes in taking second on her own terms when she stole second in the third.
The action got underway in the fifth with Wittenberg leading off in pinch hit duties. She singled to left field to get the inning rolling.
Caridad Estes came in to pinch hit, getting hit by a pitch to get to first. The Green and Blue continued to work station to station when Meek walked. With the bases loaded,
Kayleigh Roper brought Wittenberg home with a deep fly to right field allowing the first run to come across the plate.
The fifth inning scoring continued when
Avery Viancos singled to third and
Nikki Gibson touched home.
With a two-run lead, Bonilla came in and shut the door for the save and FGCU win.
FGCU 2, Akron 0
The second game started off with a bang when Ricks launched a ball over the right field wall.
"It felt really good. I got my contact point there and it felt really solid," Ricks said. "I didn't notice the ball had cleared the wall until I rounded first. I was so happy and excited."
Allison Sparkman got the start for the Green and Blue. The freshman showed why she is such a highly regarded young pitcher, going 4.2 innings only giving up two hits and walking one, while striking out three and allowing zero runs, earning her first collegiate win.
"It felt great. My teammates pick me up every time. They had my back and it allows me to throw what I need to throw," Sparkman said.
Following the Ricks homer, she stepped up to the plate with Oakes at second. She put the ball in play and advanced to second on a throwing error with Oakes coming around to score.
Bonilla came on in relief again, recording another six out save, this time only allowing one walk and zero hits.
Up next for the Eagles is day two of the FGCU Invitational against Akron at 3 p.m. and MTSU at 5:30 p.m.
