The College of Central Florida softball team showcased their offensive firepower and resilience, splitting a nail-biting doubleheader against Polk State College. The Patriots Game 1, 6-5 before falling 9-8 in Game 2.

Game 1: Riles' Big Day Secures 6-5 Come-Back Win

The Patriots came out swinging in Game 1. First baseman Kaylee Riles took over the spotlight, putting the team on her back with a 4-RBI performance.

Riles went 2-for-4, launching a crucial home run that provided the bulk of the Patriots' scoring. The top of the lineup also did its job perfectly setting the table:

• Payton Livingston: 2-for-4, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored.

• Lusmari Segura: 2-for-3, 1 run scored.

• Hope Jordan: 1-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 run scored.

In the circle, Lexi Meneely delivered a gritty 6-inning start. Meneely scattered 9 hits and allowed 4 earned runs, doing enough to keep the Polk State offense at bay and secure the win. Naomi Meyer entered in the 7th and emphatically shut the door, tossing a perfect 1-2-3 inning to earn the save and seal the 6-5 victory for the College of Central Florida.

Game 2: Late Push Not Enough in 9-8 Shootout

Despite a massive offensive performance from center fielder Abbie Roach, the Patriots narrowly lost in the second game.

Roach was virtually unstoppable at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, and a staggering 5 RBIs to lead the CF offense. The Patriots tallied 8 runs on 10 hits, with significant contributions from across the lineup:

• Samantha Albert: 2-for-3, 1 double, 3 runs scored.

• Kaylee Riles: 2-for-3, 1 double, 1 RBI, 1 run scored.

Starting pitcher Olivia Douglas went 4.1 innings, striking out none but battling through the Polk State lineup. Unfortunately, defensive miscues proved costly for CF. Despite strong relief efforts from Lexi Meneely and Naomi Meyer—neither of whom allowed an earned run—Polk State managed to capitalize on unearned opportunities to edge out the 9-8 win.

The Patriots are now 13-21 overall and 4-14 in Citrus Conference play with 11 more conference matchups to go. They will next play at home on Saturday vs Eastern Florida State.