OCALA-- The College of Central Florida softball team (38-9) picked up two big conference road wins against Florida State College at Jacksonville on Thursday afternoon, sweeping the Blue Wave 21-0 (5 IN), 8-0 (6 IN).
Morgan Cushman, Lindsay Markham and Lindsey White combined to throw a no-hit shutout en route to the 21-0 victory in game one.
The Lady Patriots got out to an early 4-0 lead in the first inning before plating 16 additional runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Claudia Jones (2-for-3, 4 RBI) and Marcella Parrado (2-for-3, 3 RBI) led the Patriot offense that combined for 22 hits in game one. The CF offense previously recorded a team-high 22 hits on March 14 against Lake-Sumter State College.
Other key contributors at the plate include: Hannah Kelly (2-for-3, 2 RBI), Shelbee Balckburn (1-for-1, 2 RBI), Jenna Rodelo (3-for-3, 2 RS, RBI) and Tiffani Railey (3-for-4, 3 RS, RBI).
Cushman tossed three complete innings and struck out five, while Markham and White each threw an inning of scoreless relief.
The Lady Patriot offense continued to roll in game two.
CF got on the board in the third inning with a single from Railey and a sacrifice fly by Rodelo. The Lady Patriots would tack on six more insurance runs in the fourth and sixth innings, including back-to-back home runs by Destinee Lizzmore and Railey.
Lizzmore, now with 16 home runs on the year, leads the state and ranks Top 5 in the NJCAA.
Railey led CF at the plate, going 3-for-4 with four RBI and two runs scored, while Rodelo tacked on two runs, and Lizzmore and Kelsee Cullop each drove in a run.
In the circle, Shayne O'Connell didn't allow a run on one hit and struck out five in five innings. Markham came in to throw another scoreless inning of relief to record the save.
With the win, CF is now 11-3 in the Mid-Florida Conference, one game back from conference leaders Seminole State College.
CF will return to action on Saturday as they host a conference doubleheader against Lake-Sumter for Sophomore Day. Game times are set for 1 and 3 p.m. CF will honor its sophomores in short ceremony prior to game one.