Grand Rapids Reporter

Ferris State University's softball team maintained its undefeated streak in Florida with two 9-1 victories on Thursday at the USSSA Space Coast Spring Games near Melbourne. The Bulldogs improved their record to 4-0 in Florida by defeating New Haven and D'Youville, both by identical scores. The second game concluded after five innings, marking the second consecutive day of sweeps for Ferris State.

The team's overall record now stands at 9-5, having won eight of their last ten games this season. In the opener against New Haven, Ferris State overcame an early deficit with a run in the third inning and gained momentum with two runs in the fifth. They secured their victory with three-run innings in both the sixth and seventh frames, totaling ten hits.

Outfielder Emma Gillard contributed significantly with three hits, driving in two runs and scoring twice. Designated player Abby Meyer added two hits while outfielder Maddie Gkekas knocked in two runs. Alexis Kozlowski tripled, and doubles came from Gillard, Jasyl Withers, and Hanna Smith.

Pitcher Cecilia Bell earned the win by allowing only one run over four innings on six hits. Catherine O'Donohue followed up with three innings of scoreless pitching, conceding just two hits alongside two strikeouts and a walk.

In their second game against D'Youville, Ferris State took an early lead by scoring four times in the first inning and continued to dominate with additional runs throughout the game. Despite D'Youville's single run in their opening at-bat, they were held scoreless thereafter as FSU gave up only two hits.

Gillard was instrumental again, driving in three runs while also scoring thrice on a hit and two walks. Catcher Emily Killion recorded two hits along with two RBIs as Kozlowski tallied another pair of hits. O'Donohue drove home two more runs while adding a double alongside Gillard.

Ella Coville-Marter secured the win for Ferris State by pitching all five innings of game two; she allowed one earned run on just two hits while walking four batters and striking out two others.

The Bulldogs will wrap up their Florida visit with matches against Ursuline at 10 a.m., followed by Franklin Pierce at 12:15 p.m., concluding their participation in the USSSA Space Coast Spring Games on Friday.