The River Sweeps Season Series Against Eastern Florida

MELBOURNE, FL- Indian River cruised to a decisive 10-3 victory over Eastern Florida on Monday, April 28 in the first game of a doubleheader on the road. The River started strong in the first inning when Anaise Piar doubled to lead off the game. Sarah Phipps advanced Piar, who soon after scored on a steal of home. Kassidy Pontbriant later in the inning scored Phipps on a sacrifice fly, giving The River an early 2-0 lead.

A six-run surge in the third inning extended Indian River's lead to 8-0. The Titans managed to score three runs in the bottom of the third, only to see The River tack on insurance runs in the fifth and sixth innings. Presley Smith, Pontbriant, Thaima Maximiliana, Moesha de Paula, and Sophia Loreto all drove in runs throughout the contest. The team tallied a total of 13 hits, with Piar, Pontbriant, Maximiliana, and Loreto each contributing two. Phipps also accounted for two of the team's five walks. The offense was aggressive on the bases, stealing a total of 10, with Phipps, Piar, and de Paula each stealing multiple bases.

Pitcher J'dah Girigorie earned the win, pitching three and two-thirds innings, allowing no hits or runs, striking out two, and walking none. Kassidy Pontbriant secured the save, with Hanna Deschambault contributing middle relief in the third inning.

The River won again in game two (5-4), completing the season sweep of the Titans. Earlier in the season, Indian River won the first doubleheader versus Eastern with two shutout victories, 5-0 and 4-0.

The nightcap on Monday proved to be an exciting finish to the regular season, with Indian River sealing a late, last-inning comeback win. The game remained scoreless through the first three innings. The River got on the board first in the top of the fourth on a Thaima Maximiliana sacrifice fly to score Sarah Phipps, who led off the inning with a five-pitch walk. In the fifth inning, Indian River increased their lead when Kassidy Pontbriant drove in leadoff hitter Anaise Piar.

Eastern Florida stormed back in the bottom of the sixth inning with four runs, setting up The River's rally in the seventh. Sarah Phipps started the rally with two outs, singling on a beautifully placed bunt down the third base line. Presley Smith advanced Phipps and reached safely on a hard-hit ball to shortstop. After both runners advanced on a passed ball, Kassidy Pontbriant followed with a two-run single up the middle to tie the game at 4-4. Thaima Maximiliana delivered next with a huge game-winning double to the left-center gap, scoring pinch runner Olivia Newman from first.

The River closed things out with a three-up, three-down inning in the bottom of the seventh. Kassidy Pontbriant led the offensive charge with three RBIs, going 2-for-3 at the plate. Sarah Phipps also contributed with two hits. Braylee Shields added three stolen bases. J'dah Girigorie earned the win, pitching a complete game, allowing five hits and two runs (one earned), striking out eight, and walking just one.

Up Next: The River will compete in the FCSAA Region 8 Championship May 6-10 at Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, FL.