OCALA-- The College of Central Florida softball team recorded back-to-back, five-inning run rules to defeat St. John's River State College 9-1, 11-0 on Thursday night in Palatka. With the win, CF is now 13-1 in conference and winners of eight straight.

The Patriots, ranked No. 3 in the state and No. 8 in NJCAA, got out to an early 3-0 lead after two innings before exploding for a six-run third inning, including a grand slam from Tiffany Steczo, to put away the Vikings.

Steczo finished game one 2-for-2 at the plate with five RBI. Karli Woolington (2-for-3), Olivia Pope (1-for-3), and Maggie Trgo (1-for-2) also drove in a run in the win.

In the circle, Lindsay Markham-Rosario allowed just one earned run on four hits and struck out nine for her 21st win of the season. Markham-Rosario ranks first in the state and nation in total wins. 

The Patriot offense continued to roll as it pounded out 12 hits in the game two shut out.

Elaina Lukas recorded CF's second grand slam of the day in the second inning of game two and Mariah Wick followed it up a two-run homer in the third for the Patriots' third home run of the day.

Lukas closed out game two 2-for-5 with five RBI, while Bailey Wilson (3-for-4), Mariah Wick (1-for-2, HR), and Maggie Trgo (1-for-3) each drove in two runs.

Morgan Cushman shutout the Viking offense in the circle, allowing just two hits and struck out six to complete the run-rule.