Indian River Splits On The Road at FSW

FORT MYERS, FL- On Tuesday, April 8 in the first game of a doubleheader, Indian River defeated the nationally ranked #1 Florida Southwestern State College (FSW), 3-2. This weekday matchup saw the top two teams in the Citrus Conference battling for positioning in the standings, as well as in both the state and national rankings. Both teams demonstrated solid pitching, but it was J'dah Girigorie's performance that earned the win. The sophomore pitched a complete game, striking out four and walking none.

The scoring began in the first inning when Kassidy Pontbriant hit a double, bringing in the first run and putting The River on top early. Indian River extended their lead in the second inning, capitalizing on an error by Florida Southwestern, followed by a ground ball RBI and a sacrifice fly from Sarah Phipps, scoring Hezzy Seabrook.

FSW continued to put up a fight as the game progressed, scoring one run in the fourth and fifth innings, but The River was able to maintain the lead and seal the victory. Offensively, Anaise Piar and Pontbriant each contributed two hits, while Phipps, Pontbriant, and Seabrook drove in runs. The team also showcased their speed on the bases, with Seabrook stealing two of The River's four total bases in the game.

Florida Southwestern defeated Indian River in game two by a final score of 7-3. The Bucs struck first, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning, then two more in the second to take an early 4-0 lead. Indian River battled back late in the game but could not overcome the deficit.

Despite the loss, Kassidy Pontbriant and Presley Smith led the team offensively, each driving in a run, with Smith accumulating two hits in four at-bats. Indian River showed patience at the plate, drawing seven walks throughout the game, with Sarah Phipps and Thaima Maximiliana each earning two. Additionally, Phipps and Smith showcased their speed, contributing to a total of six stolen bases for the team.

Abril Gomez started the game for The River, allowing three hits and two runs over just one inning, and Pontbriant came in for three innings of relief, giving up five hits and five runs (three earned), while striking out one and walking two.

Indian River plays next at home vs Daytona State on Saturday April 12 (1pm and 3pm).

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