The River Splits on the Road in Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, FL - Indian River triumphed over Santa Fe College with a commanding 5-0 victory in game one on Saturday, March 29. Leadoff hitter Anaise Piar lined an RBI single after a tough six-pitch at-bat, putting The River on the scoreboard in the top of the third. The River plated two more runs in both the fourth and fifth innings to secure the 5-0 win.

Piar led the offensive charge with two hits in four at-bats, and the team showed great patience at the plate, drawing five walks in addition to six total hits. Additionally, The River was aggressive on the bases, successfully stealing four bases and keeping the pressure on Santa Fe throughout the contest.

J'dah Girigorie delivered an impressive performance on the mound, earning the win by allowing only three hits and no runs over six innings. She struck out seven batters and walked two, demonstrating her dominance throughout the game. In relief, fellow sophomore Alexa Bethel sealed the shutout win in the bottom of the seventh inning, giving up just one hit and striking out one.

It was a hard-fought battle in game two, but Indian River fell just one run short, losing late to the Saints 4-3. The game remained competitive until the very end, with Santa Fe breaking the tie in the bottom of the sixth inning. The River struck first, getting on the board in the top of the first inning. Kassidy Pontbriant set the stage with a solid single to center field, followed by a sacrifice fly from Taylor Cochran that brought in the first run. As the game progressed, Indian River reclaimed the lead in the fifth inning when Anaise Piar delivered a timely single, scoring a run and putting the team ahead 3-2.

Piar led the offense again with two hits in three at-bats, while Pontbriant and Cochran each contributed an RBI. The offense accumulated five walks and successfully stole another five bases throughout the game. On the mound, Alexa Bethel started for The River, pitching four and two-thirds innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits. She walked just one batter and struck out four.

Indian River continues conference play, hosting Polk State on Tuesday, April 1st at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

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