Softball battles but falls to Florida on season finale

April 22, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The JU softball team wrapped up the season with two losses (2-0, 5-0) to No. 3 Florida in Gainesville, Fla. on Tuesday.

The Dolphins (21-39) lost game one, 2-0, limiting the high-powered Gators offense (who had been averaging almost six runs a game) to well below their season average.

The game had a dramatic ending as in the top of the seventh, sophomore Ashley Mora delivered a pinch-hit single, bringing the tying run up to the plate. Unfortunately she was left stranded and the Gators took the win.

Sophomore Ashley Iveson (3-13) allowed just five hits in six innings of work and gave up the two runs. She recorded two strikeouts while allowing for walks.

The Dolphins trailed the Gators in hits by one, registering four of their own. Senior outfielder Jillian Mirante added to her school record in hits as she and freshman shortstop Katie Kelly both singled in the first inning. Senior first baseman Sara Gordon showed off some speed by beating out an infield single.

In game two, senior Shannon Jensen took the mound in her last collegiate appearance and limited the potent Gators to just six hits. She gave up five runs (two earned).

Senior designated player Patricia Melo and freshman catcher Jessica Abraham recorded hits for the Dolphins in the season finale.

Kelly ends the season leading the Dolphins with a .317 batting average, a .386 on-base-percentage and 24 RBI.

Mirante ends her Dolphin career as the school leader in games played (242), hits (184), runs scored (101) and stolen bases (57). This season she became the first Dolphin to steal 30 bases in a season.

Jensen ends her career as the top two-way player in school history, finishing as the school's career leader in saves (5) and second in wins (35), appearances (133), strikeouts (411) and shutouts (100). At the plate she is ranked third in doubles (22) and home runs (6). Her 55 RBI ranks her fourth on the all-time list.

As a team the Dolphins recorded six wins more than their total from last season and managed big wins over Florida State, Virginia and Minnesota among others. The Dolphins also swept Georgia Southern and East Tennessee State.