Softball Splits at USSSA Space Coast Spring Games

MELBOURNE, Fla.– The Mount Vernon Nazarene University softball team (3-1) continued its stretch of games at the USSSA Space Coast Spring Games in Melbourne, Florida against Dordt University (15-2) and Carolina University (5-6) on Tuesday, March 3.  

In the first game, Dordt and MVNU battled in a pitching duel until the bottom of the fourth inning, when MVNU broke through first. Dakota Staffan led off with a single to center field and advanced to third on a single by Makenzie Delaney. Camden Laymon then singled to center, bringing Staffan home for the first run of the game. 

In the top of the sixth inning, Dordt scored three runs, but MVNU responded with a run of its own, taking a 3-2 lead. The Dordt offense exploded in the top of the seventh inning, scoring four more runs to secure a 7-2 victory over the Lady Cougars. 

Delaney led MVNU offensively, going 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Skylar Zimmerman contributed a 2-for-4 performance. 

In the second game, the Lady Cougars scored in every inning. MVNU got on the board first, with Avery Miller's single to center field driving in Zimmerman for the opening run. In the top of the second inning, MVNU added six more runs, taking a commanding 7-0 lead over the Bruins.  

Carolina responded by scoring one run in the bottom of the second and added two more later in the inning. MVNU then extended its lead with a combined five runs in the fourth and fifth innings, ultimately capping the game in the fifth for a final score of 14-3. The Lady Cougars finished with nine hits and drew seven walks at the plate. Staffan was the winning pitcher for MVNU, pitching four innings. Staffan allowed four hits and three runs while striking out two. 

What's Next  

MVNU softball will return to Melbourne, Florida at the USSSA Space Coast Games to take on Mount Marty University at 10:00 a.m. and the University of Fort Lauderdale at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4.  

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,200 students from 36 states, 1 U.S. commonwealth and 41 foreign countries.