The River Sweeps Season Series Over Daytona

FORT PIERCE, FL - Indian River showcased a stellar performance at home on Saturday, April 12 easily defeating Daytona State College with a commanding 8-0 victory that ended in run-rule fashion.

The team's offense ignited in the second inning, capitalizing first on a fielder's choice that allowed J'dah Girigorie to start the scoring for The River. Three additional runs were plated to round out the bottom half of the frame. Offensively, Jordyn Lillis stood out with two RBIs, while Sarah Phipps, Anaise Piar, Braylee Shields, Sophia Loreto, McKenzie Gibson, and Presley Smith each contributed hits. Piar and Loreto were aggressive on the bases, stealing multiple bags in the game.

The team was flawless in the field, committing no errors, and sophomore J'dah Girigorie led the team in the circle, pitching four scoreless innings while allowing only three hits, striking out two, and walking one. Fellow sophomore Alexa Bethel contributed with a solid inning of relief, maintaining the shutout by allowing no hits and striking out two.

The River emerged victorious again in the back half of the doubleheader (and for the fourth time this season) against Daytona. Indian River capped off the afternoon and the season series with a 7-3 win, completing the season sweep over the Falcons.

The team's offense came alive in the first inning, highlighted by Kassidy Pontbriant's single that drove in two runs and Braylee Shields's RBI groundball that added another. The momentum continued into the second inning, forcing a Falcon error which allowed another run to score. Sophomore Presley Smith followed with a single that brought in two more, and Shields added another RBI with a single of her own.

Pontbriant and Shields led the offensive charge, each driving in two runs. Hezzy Seabrook, Thaima Maximiliana, and Presley Smith also contributed with hits. Leadoff hitter Anaise Piar showcased patience at the plate, drawing two walks and contributing to the team's total of five.

The team excelled on the base paths as well, stealing a total of 11 bases throughout the contest. Sarah Phipps, Piar, Seabrook, and Smith were each credited with multiple swipes. J'dah Girigorie earned the win again, pitching four scoreless innings, allowing only two hits, striking out three, and walking none. Abril Gomez closed the game, securing the save, with Alexa Bethel also contributing in relief.

Indian River travels next to Seminole State for a doubleheader on Thursday, April 17 (1 p.m. and 3 p.m.).

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