OCALA-- The College of Central Florida softball team swept Tallahassee Community College on Thursday afternoon in the home opener, run-ruling the Eagles 8-0 and 13-0 in five innings each game. The Patriots improve to 7-1 with the wins.

CF scored early and often in both games, amassing 22 total hits in the doubleheader while holding the Eagles to just seven hits.

Freshman third baseman Devyn Howard led off the doubleheader with her first home run as a Patriot, a two-run shot to center field. CF would go on to plate six more runs over the next three innings to complete the run-rule. Howard finished game one 1-for-2 at the plate with three RBI. Returners Anina Fernandez (2-for-3) and Maggie Trgo (1-for-1) each added two RBI.

Freshman pitcher Caroline Hoppe got the win in game one, not allowing a run on three hits and struck out five. The Illinois native is now 3-0 with a save in the circle.

The CF offense continued to roll in game two, recording 14 hits in five innings. The Lady Patriots plated six runs in the bottom of the fourth to complete the second run-rule of the day. Fernandez continued to stay hot, going 2-for-3 with four RBI and a home run. Returning outfielder Elaina Lukas went 1-for-2 with two runs scored and two RBI, while six other Patriot batters drove in a run. Joanna Muldoon returned to the lineup at home for the first time in a year, going 3-for-3 with a run scored and RBI. 

Fernandez finished the doubleheader 4-for-6 at the plate with six RBI.

Freshman pitcher Kelsie Rivers continued the dominate performance in the circle, holding the Eagles to just four hits and one walk while striking out five for the win.

CF will return to the field February 8-9 when it heads to Dothan, Ala. for the Visit Dothan Invitational. The Lady Patriots will face some of the best talent in the country, including national powerhouses Chipola College and Salt Lake Community College.