MELBOURNE, Fla. (LourdesAthletics.com) -- The Lourdes University softball team put up a strong defensive effort on Tuesday afternoon, but a two-run fifth inning proved to be the difference as the Gray Wolves fell 2-0 to the University of Fort Lauderdale at the Space Coast Spring Games.

Kirsten Smith turned in a complete-game effort for the Gray Wolves, striking out eight while allowing two runs on eight hits. She held Fort Lauderdale scoreless through the first four innings before a two-run double in the fifth provided the only scoring of the game.

Lourdes managed three hits on the day, with Olivia Hickman leading the way by going 2-for-3, including a double. Taylor Leggins added a hit, while Brooke Albert worked the team's lone walk. Defensively, the Gray Wolves committed three errors but limited the damage behind Smith's strong outing in the circle.

Through the first three games of the Florida trip, Taylor Leggins has provided consistency at the plate, collecting four hits while crossing home three times to lead the Gray Wolves offensively. Olivia Hickman has delivered with power, notching a team-high two doubles, including a multi-hit effort against Fort Lauderdale. Mallori Bradley and Skylar Mitchell have each contributed timely extra-base hits, adding depth to Lourdes' offensive attack. In the circle, Kirsten Smith turned in the team's strongest pitching performance to date, striking out eight in a complete-game effort against Fort Lauderdale

Up Next:
The team continues its Florida trip with a doubleheader on Mar. 12, at the Space Coast Complex in Melbourne, Fla. The Gray Wolves will first face Midland at 12:15 PM (White Easton), followed by a matchup against Montreat College (N.C.) at 2:30 PM (Blue Marucci).