North Florida’s softball team secured a 4-3 victory over Marshall on Wednesday evening at the UNF Softball Complex. The Ospreys overcame a one-run deficit in the fifth inning, led by Grace Shaw’s three-run home run with two outs. This marked Shaw’s first home run of the season and the third of her career.
“It was the third home run of Shaw’s career, as she now has nine hits, eight RBI and a .450 BA on the season. Her heroics helped UNF improve to a 6-1 overall record to start the season for its best start since 2022.”
Taylor Cook pitched 6.1 innings for North Florida, recording six strikeouts and earning her second win of the year. Kadyn Camper came in during the seventh inning to secure the final two outs on four pitches, earning her first save of the season.
Kalyn McCarthy scored North Florida’s first run in the third inning after hitting a triple down the left field line and scoring on an errant throw during Hallie Langford’s steal attempt. Marshall responded in the top of the fifth with a two-run homer that gave them a temporary lead.
In North Florida’s half of the fifth, McCarthy was thrown out at home before Shaw hit her go-ahead three-run homer. Marshall managed to score again in the seventh inning, bringing them within one run with their tying runner on third base. Camper forced a groundout to shortstop Cimino for the final out.
The Ospreys’ win brings their record to 6-1 for their best season start since 2022. Next, North Florida will host Iona, Princeton, and Stony Brook from February 13-15 at home as part of the UNF-JU Invitational.
Pitchers of record included Taylor Cook (win), Maddie Veal (loss), and Kadyn Camper (save). Statistical leaders were Grace Shaw for North Florida with three RBIs and a home run, while Bella Gerlach led Marshall with two RBIs.
