Ramblers Pick Up Another Win Before Falling to No. 16 Florida

The Loyola softball team was scheduled to take on three teams in five games throughout the Bubly Invitational hosted by the University of Florida Feb. 16-18. All games on Saturday and Sunday were rained out, leaving the Ramblers with two Friday matchups against the College of Charleston Cougars and the host No. 16 University of Florida Gators.

College of Charleston – Feb. 16

The first hit of the day went to Charleston’s third-year infielder Malaka Belser in the top of the first inning. The single to left field wasn’t enough to bring Belser across as she was left stranded on base following the third out by fourth-year Charleston infielder Shealyn Starks. 

Strong defensive efforts prevented either team from having more than four at bats in a single inning until the bottom of the fifth. 

First-year infielder Liz Sedakis earned Loyola’s first hit of the day with a single up the middle. Fourth-year infielder Hannah Nalley reached on a fielder’s choice as fourth-year Charleston infielder Aniz Roman forced Sedakis out on second. 

Fourth-year infielder Teagan Sopczak singled to fifth-year Cougar shortstop Brooke Marquez. Following a throwing error by Marquez, Sopczak advanced to second and Nalley to third. The two were left on base following the final out by second-year catcher Abbie Gregus.

Loyola’s momentum started up again in the bottom of the sixth with a right side single by third-year outfielder Riley Owens. A single by fourth-year utility player Ava Bienemen to the pitcher put Owens in scoring position. Following the two hits, third-year infielder Haley Wallace was walked by second-year Cougar pitcher Caroline Connor. 

The game changed with a grand slam by fourth-year infielder Sydney Barnett which brought Owens, Bienemen and Haley Wallace home to give the Ramblers a comfortable four-run cushion. 

In the top of the seventh, second-year Charleston outfielder Halle Cannon singled to third-year pitcher Peyton Pepkowski but didn’t make it beyond first. First-year Charleston outfielder Kaytlin Stacey grounded out to Pepkowski for the last out of the game as the Ramblers closed out a 4-0 victory. 

University of Florida – Feb. 16

The Ramblers started out strong with a Haley Wallace single following a Bienemen walk which put Bienemen in scoring position. A Barnett single to third base put two Ramblers in scoring position, though they failed to score as Nalley struck out swinging, leaving the Ramblers empty handed after loading the bases. 

The Gators opened the bottom of the first with a walk by redshirt fourth-year shortstop Skylar Wallace. After stealing second, Skylar Wallace advanced to third on a single by third-year Florida outfielder Korbe Otis. 

An error by Gregus brought Skylar Wallace home for the Gators and put Otis on second. By the bottom of the first, Otis, first-year pitcher Ava Brown, first-year infielder Mia Williams and third-year infielder Reagan Walsh made it home, giving Florida a 5-0 lead. 

In the top of the second, Gregus hit a home run to center field, securing the Ramblers’ first and only run of the game. 

Third-year Gator outfielder Kendra Falby and fourth-year utility player Avery Goelz advanced to second and third after a walk by Skylar Wallace. A double down the right field line by second-year catcher Jocelyn Erickson brought home all three, putting the gators up 10-1.

In the top of the fourth, with Sedakis in scoring position, Sopczak reached first on a passed ball allowing Sedakis to continue to third. She didn’t make it home before Gregus grounded into a double play for the final out. 

Following the top of the fifth inning, the mercy rule kicked in and the Gators won the game 10-1.

Next the Ramblers will travel to Tampa, Florida for the USF Tournament Feb. 23-25 where they will take on five opponents. The first game begins Feb. 23 at 1 p.m.

Featured image courtesy of Steve Woltmann | Loyola Athletics