VIERA, Fla. (LourdesAthletics.com) – The Lourdes University softball team wrapped up play at the Space Coast Spring Games on Friday, splitting a pair of contests in Viera, Fla. The Gray Wolves dropped a 4-3 decision to Florida National University before securing their first win of the season, a 3-2 victory over Florida Memorial University. The win also marked the first for head coach Candace Fenton-Bockbrader at the helm of the program.

Game 1: Florida National 4, Lourdes 3

In a tightly contested battle, Lourdes carried a 3-1 lead into the seventh inning before Florida National rallied with three runs in the final frame to claim the win.

After five scoreless innings, Lourdes broke through in the bottom of the sixth. Liv Hussar delivered a key two-run single, and Alyssa Goretzka added an RBI hit to put the Gray Wolves in front. However, Florida National responded with a go-ahead two-run double in the seventh, securing the comeback.

Olivia Hickman and Goretzka each recorded two hits for Lourdes, while Taylor Leggins suffered the tough-luck loss despite allowing just four runs (all earned) over 6.2 innings.

Game 2: Lourdes 3, Florida Memorial 2

The Gray Wolves rebounded in the afternoon contest, using a three-run fourth inning and a strong pitching performance from Kirsten Smith to earn its first victory of the season.

Smith went the distance in the circle, scattering six hits while striking out six in a complete-game effort. The Gray Wolves took the lead in the fourth when Hickman's RBI single plated Lindsey McGann. Moments later, Skylar Mitchell came through with a two-run double to left, pushing the advantage to 3-0.

Florida Memorial responded with two runs in the bottom of the inning, but Smith held the Lions scoreless the rest of the way to seal the first win for Lourdes under Coach Fenton-Bockbrader.

Up Next:
Lourdes returns home to Gray Wolf Field on Thursday, March 20, for a doubleheader against Ohio Christian University. Game one is set for 1 p.m., followed by game two at 3 p.m.