CLEARWATER, Fla. – The College of Central Florida softball team earned a split in Tuesday's Citrus Conference doubleheader against St. Petersburg College, dominating the opener before falling in a defensive-struggle finale at the SPC Softball Complex.

Game 1: CF 9, St. Pete 1 (5 Innings)

The Patriots' offense came out firing in the afternoon's first contest, racking up 10 hits and taking advantage of six walks to secure a mercy-rule victory.

CF jumped out to an early lead in the first inning when Hope Jordan singled to drive in Abigail Ranck. After a quiet second, the Patriots broke the game open with a five-run explosion in the third. The rally was highlighted by a three-run double from Abbie Roach and an RBI triple by Vayla Mansfield, extending the lead to 6-0.

Madison McCabe added a two-run single in the fifth to cap off the scoring. Abigail Ranck was a constant threat on the basepaths, finishing 2-for-3 with three runs scored, while Hope Jordan reached base in all four plate appearances (two hits, two walks).

In the circle, Olivia Douglas (3-8) delivered a commanding performance. She threw a complete five-inning game, scattering six hits and allowing just one run while striking out two to earn the win.

Game 2: St. Pete 10, CF 2 (5 Innings)

The script flipped in the nightcap as defensive miscues and a fast start by the Titans cost the Patriots. St. Petersburg erupted for six runs in the bottom of the first inning, aided by several CF errors, to take a commanding early lead.

The Patriots attempted a comeback in the second inning when Naomi Meyer cleared the bases with a two-run double, scoring Kaylee Riles and Samantha Albert to cut the deficit to 6-2. However, that was all the offense CF could muster against Titans starter Addison Lamb, who held the Patriots to just four hits over five innings.

St. Pete added three more runs in the third and one in the fourth to seal the 10-2 victory. Alexis Meneely (3-12) took the loss for CF, though only one of the 10 runs she surrendered was earned, as the Patriots' defense struggled with five errors in the contest.

Looking Ahead

With the split, the Patriots move to 14-34 overall and 5-27 in Citrus Conference play. The team will look to carry the offensive momentum from Game 1 into their next matchup vs Daytona State next Tuesday as they fight through the final stretch of the 2026 season.