GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Florida Gulf Coast University softball opened NCAA Tournament play against the Florida Gators on Friday with a 6-0 loss. The Eagles only allowed two hits through 5.1 innings against the team with the sixth-highest batting average in the country. FGCU only allowed five hits on the day, the fewest of any mid-major against Florida this season. The six runs are the fewest the Gators have scored against a mid-major opponent.
Allison Sparkman entered the circle and had a no-hitter going the first time through the lineup. It took a close play that was initially called out on the field before getting overturned to give the Gators any momentum at the plate. That play resulted in the first hit of the game for Florida, and eventually the first two runs.
Nikki Gibson recorded the first hit of the NCAAs for the Eagles on a double down the left field line that rattled around in foul territory long enough for Gibson to leg out the double. Gibson was also flashing the leather at third with a leaping grab that stole a hit from Kendra Falby. The runner on first was over half way to second for the easy double play at first.
The Eagles got one more hit on the day from a perfectly placed bunt by
Avery Viancos. With her speed, there was no doubt she was making it to first safely.
The Green and Blue now face FAU on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in the elimination bracket. The Owls and Eagles have faced each other earlier in the year in Boca Raton playing to a 3-1 decision in favor of the Owls. The Feb 23 contest saw
Marina Tinari get the start with
Claire Maulding working the bulk of the innings.
If the Eagles win the FAU game, they will play 35 minutes later against the loser of Florida-South Alabama. If the Eagles lose the FAU game, their season is over.
