OCALA, FL – The College of Central Florida softball team displayed resilience and late-inning heroics on Tuesday afternoon, but ultimately dropped both ends of a doubleheader to Hillsborough Community College at the CF Softball Complex.

Game 1: Hillsborough 3, CF 2

In the opening contest, the Patriots engaged in a battle that saw pitcher Alexis Meneely deliver a strong performance in the circle. Meneely tossed 6.2 innings, allowing nine hits but surrendering zero earned runs.

CF jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Payton Livingston, who led the way with a double and a triple in the game, crossed the plate. Hillsborough managed to capitalize on defensive miscues in the fourth inning to pull ahead 2-1.

The Patriots fought back in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game at 2-2, thanks to an RBI from Hope Jordan. However, the Hawks managed to scratch across a run in the top of the seventh to reclaim the lead. CF was unable to answer in the final frame, dropping a narrow 3-2 decision.

Game 2: Hillsborough 12, CF 10

The second game was a high-scoring affair that featured a massive comeback attempt by the Patriots. Hillsborough jumped out to a commanding 8-0 lead by the second inning, threatening to end the game early.

However, the CF bats came alive in the later stages. Kaylee Riles put together a great performance, finishing 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, and a staggering 6 RBIs. Her power at the plate anchored a Patriots offense that out-hit the Hawks 15 to 13.

Trailing 8-4 heading into the seventh inning, the Patriots' defense surrendered four more runs, making it 12-4. Refusing to go quietly, CF erupted for six runs in the bottom of the seventh. Riles, Hope Jordan, and Vayla Mansfield all contributed to the rally that brought the winning run to the plate. Despite the late-inning surge, the Hawks managed to record the final out to preserve the 12-10 victory.

Stat Leaders

• Kaylee Riles: 4-for-8 on the day with a HR, 2 doubles, and 6 RBIs.

• Payton Livingston: 4-for-7 with 4 runs scored, a double, and a triple.

• Hope Jordan: 3-for-6 with 4 RBIs across both games.

• Abbie Roach: 2-for-5 with a double in Game 2.

Up Next: The Patriots will look to bounce back as they continue Citrus Conference play on Tuesday at Florida Southwestern. Follow CFPatriots.net for schedule updates and live streaming information.