Bulldogs homer three times, begin Florida trip with two wins

March 9th, 2020 | Amanda Mendoza

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – For the first time since 2012, the Concordia University softball program has made The Sunshine State its spring break destination. Despite a slow start on Sunday (March 8), the Bulldogs regrouped and defeated Lawrence Technological University (Mich.), 7-5, and Florida National University, 4-0. All games over spring break will take place at Fortune Road Athletic Complex in Kissimmee, Fla.

Head coach Shawn Semler’s squad has jumped out to a 7-1 while also playing within the states of Kansas and Nebraska as part of the nonconference slate.

“Getting down 5-0 in the first game was not how we drew it up,” Semler said. “We talked about just trying to get one run. We were able to string some hits together and broke it open. We just need to shore up some things defensively. They hit the ball hard in the first inning and put some pressure on us. (Sydni) Schernikau’s home run gave us a big boost. It’s a tough lineup to get through.”

“In that second game we didn’t know what to expect. Cam (Moore) shut them down and threw really well. Florida National has a pretty good team with a lot of transfers.”

Moore and MacKinsey Schmidt also homered on Sunday. The spark against Lawrence Tech came in the bottom of the fourth when Moore led off a walk. She scored on a Tori Homolka double. Caitlyn McGarvie also added an RBI single in the three-run frame. Concordia then took the lead in the bottom of the fifth, which was jumpstarted by Schernikau’s leadoff homer. Two batters later, Moore drilled a two-run blast to put the Bulldogs up for good.

Moore’s four-hit shutout in the second game ensured that Concordia would not need a comeback. She struck out six and walked only one batter in the seven-inning complete game. Schmidt delivered a solo homer and was one of four Bulldogs with multiple hits in the win over Florida National. Others with two or more hits included Hhana Haro (3-for-4), Jenessa Jarvis (2-for-3, run, RBI) and Moore (2-for-4).

Three different Concordia pitchers worked the opener of the Florida trip. Zoe Flores threw four innings and allowed just one earned run. Dalaney Nance and Moore combined to work three scoreless frames to complete the victory.

Action will continue on Monday with two more games in Kissimmee. The Bulldogs will take on Carlow University (Penn.) at 12:45 p.m. CT / 1:45 p.m. ET and Hannibal LaGrange University (Mo.) at 2:45 p.m. CT / 3:45 p.m. ET.

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