The College of Central Florida (CF) softball team made a loud statement to open Citrus Conference play, sweeping a doubleheader against Hillsborough Community College on Wednesday. The Patriots combined solid pitching with a relentless offensive attack to secure 14–4 and 8–4 victories.
Game 1: Offensive Fireworks in Five
The Patriots' bats exploded for 14 runs on 14 hits in the Conference opener, ending the contest in five innings via the run rule.
The production came from top to bottom in the lineup:
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Lusmari Segura led the team in RBI with 3, including a double.
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Payton Livingston ignited the offense out of the leadoff spot with a triple and scored twice.
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Hope Jordan was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, scoring three times.
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Naomi Meyer reached base three times and scored twice.
In the circle, Tiara Chavis earned the win with a unique stat line. She didn't allow a single hit through four innings of work, racking up 7 strikeouts. Despite some control issues early on (4 walks and a hit-by-pitch) that allowed Hillsborough to scrap for three runs, the massive run support made the lead feel insurmountable. Alexis Meneely came on in the fifth to shut the door and seal the sweep.
Final Score: CF 14, HCC 4
Game 2: Douglas Gives Pats Quality Start in the Circle
In game two, the Patriots relied on a stellar performance from Olivia Douglas. Douglas went the distance, tossing a complete game 7-innings with 9 strikeouts while allowing only two earned runs.
The CF offense provided plenty of support, highlighted by Samantha Albert, who finished 2-for-3 with a home run. Hope Jordan also stayed hot at the plate, roping two doubles and driving in a run. While Hillsborough's Carlee Anselmo tried to keep the Hawks in it with two doubles of her own, the Patriots' steady pressure—including RBIs from five different players—proved too much for HCC starter Sarrah Trocki to overcome.
Final Score: CF 8, HCC 4
Looking Ahead
With a 2-0 start in the Citrus Conference, the Patriots are off to a great start. They will next play a non-conference doubleheader vs St Johns River State College at 2 pm in Ocala on Wednesday and then resume Citrus Conference play on Saturday at home with a doubleheader vs Florida Southwestern State College at 1 pm.