The #6 nationally ranked Patriots played the #3 ranked Buccaneers in a double header at home on Thursday. The Patriots won game one 8-2 and couldn't hold a three run lead in the lead, losing 5-3.

Game 1: CF 8 - FSW 2

The Patirots got on the board early with 3 runs in the first. Madison VanAllen and Emma Rogel both had sac flys to to drive in runs and Amber Daugherty hit a single to drive in Hailey Scott. Haley Guffey was solid in her complete gaem seven inning performance. She sturck out seven and scattered six hits while walking two. The Pats bats were hot as they kncoked out the FSW starter, Esmee Ames, after one inning and got 14 hits in the game. Leading hitters were:

Megan Loftis 3-4, 2 R, 2 SB
Leah Clark 2-3, R, RBI, 2B, SB
Amber Daugherty 2-3, RBI 

Game 2: CF 3 - FSW 5

Game two was a pitchers' duel between CF starter Zoey Mills and FSW starter Lea Chervrier through the first four innings. The Patriots offense got a big inning in the 5th. Avery Lawson (2-3) singled with one out before Megan Loftis (2-4) reached on an error by the second baseman to bring up Leah Clark. She blasted a 2-1 pitch out of the park to centerfield, giving the Patriots a 3-0 lead. Down to their last three outs the Bucaneers fought back and scored 5 runs in the top of the seventh to take a two run lead. The Patriots were unable to score in the bottom of the inning and lost 5-3. 

The Patriots are now 12-2 in Citrus Conference play. They are tied for the top spot along with FSW and Indian River. They will next play on Saturday, March 16th at home vs State College of Florida, Manatee who are 10-12 (4-10). First pitch of game one will be at 1 PM.