Softball Narrowly Topped by Gulf Coast

The Pensacola State Pirates fell behind in the first inning and could not overcome Gulf Coast on Wednesday as they fell 2-1. 

Gulf Coast scored in the first when their leadoff reached on a swinging bunt and was followed by a home run to give them a 2-0 lead.

The Pirates answered in the bottom half of the inning when Kayla Leibman singled and Caitlyn Yockey pinch ran and scored from first on a double off the left field fence off the bat of Kaeleen Koehler. 

After the first inning both teams pitching and defense held strong and no more runs were scored. Jensen Strickland threw a complete game for the Pirates and only gave up five hits while she struck out six. 

Lia Johnson was 2-for-4 in the game while Leibman and Koehler picked up the other hits for the Pirates. PSC threatened offensively throughout the game, but left eight runners on base. 

The game concluded Panhandle regular season play and the Pirates finished in third place with a 10-10 record. They will travel to Gulf Coast on Friday to start the playoff for the final berth in the state tournament. They will face Northwest Florida State at 2:00 pm for the right to play a best of three series versus Gulf Coast. 

With it being their last home game of the season PSC honored their 10 sophomores after the game: Danielle de Ruiter, Ashley Gardenal, Lia Johnson, Madison Marshall, Hayley Pelkey, Brittney Rayfield, Jensen Strickland, Shelby Thornsberry, Alexandra Verardi and Caitlyn Yockey. They also recognized freshman Haley Willis who has signed to play at Jacksonville University next season. 

Photo courtesy: Hailey Lotz