Indian River Falls Short To FSW

FORT PIERCE, FL- Indian River faced off against Florida Southwestern in a doubleheader on Tuesday, March 4 with both games showcasing strong performances in the circle and competitive play at the plate. Despite a hard-fought effort, The River came up just short, dropping game one 2-1 and game two 13-5.

In game one, a first-inning home run by Virginia Mambelli provided the only runs Florida Southwestern needed in their 2-1 victory over The River. J'dah Girigorie was solid in the circle, allowing just two runs on seven hits over seven innings while striking out six and walking none. Leah Meyer started for FSW and limited Indian River to just two hits and one run, striking out three and walking four in a complete-game effort. Kassidy Pontbriant and Sophia Loreto each collected a hit for The River, while the offense also contributed four walks and three stolen bases.

The River got off to a fast start in game two, with Presley Smith driving in a run on an RBI single in the first inning. FSW responded in the second, taking the lead after Noelani Livingstone singled down the right field line, Emily Allegood doubled to left, and Faith Wharton singled down the left field line—each bringing in a run. The Bucs extended their lead in the third, adding three more runs on RBI singles by Nicole Edmiaston and Wharton.

Indian River fought back in the fifth inning with a four-run rally. Sophia Loreto doubled to bring in one, followed by a two-run homer from Thaima Maximiliana. Kassidy Pontbriant then singled to drive in another run, cutting into the deficit. Despite the comeback attempt, FSW secured the win with insurance runs in the seventh, sealing the 13-5 victory.

Alexa Bethel pitched three innings in relief for The River, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out one and walking one. Hanna Deschambault started the game, pitching 1.1 innings with two strikeouts and no walks. Maximiliana led The River with two RBIs from the eighth spot in the lineup, while Hezzy Seabrook set the tone at the top, going 3-for-4. Indian River also added three stolen bases and turned a double play on defense.

The River returns home to face Macomb on Wednesday, March 5, with games scheduled for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.