Cougars Power Their Way to Two Wins in Florida

(Kissimmee, FL)-- The Cleary Cougars used the long ball to pick up a pair of victories, as they defeated the Florida National University Conquistadors 2-0, and defeated the Clarke University Pride 11-8 in game 2.

In Game 1:  After Mia Rzepka reached base on an error, Susie Bielecki hit her 3rd home run of the season over the left field fence to give the Cougars an early 2-0 lead.  Those two runs would be all pitcher Mercedes Cole would need, as she handled the #20 ranked Conquistadors, pitching a complete game, and only allowing 3 hits while striking out 5.  Sarah Cassidy had a strong showing at the plate, going 2/3 on the afternoon.

In Game 2: After Osheiauna Phifer led the game with a single and a stolen base, Susie Bielecki hit a single to bring Phifer home to give Cleary a 1-0 lead.  The second inning was very similar, as Grace Pasterik reached 1st on a bunt single, then stole second to get in scoring position, and made it to third on a passed ball.  Haley Whittecar brought Pasterik home and reached base on an error.  After Cleary advanced the runner, Osheiauna Phifer singled home Whittecar to give the Cougars a 3-0 lead.  
That lead would be short lived, as the Pride stormed back to tie the game in the 4th inning.  Cleary tacked on 4 runs in the top of the 5th to retake the lead when Sarah Cassidy doubled home Susie Bielecki and Mia Rzepka, followed up by a Kate Currie single to score Maddie Campbell later in the inning.  Alex Pace would reach on an error that scored Cassidy to give the Cougars a 7-3 lead.  Once again, Clarke responded, scoring 4 runs in the 5th, and one more in the 6th to take an 8-7 lead.  In the 7th, and down to their final three outs, Sarah Cassidy reached base on an error, and the next batter was Kate Currie who hit a 2-run home run to help Cleary retake the lead.  A Jenna Wagenschutz single put another runner on, and Ginelle Leslie hit her first career home run to solidify the victory and give Cleary the 11-8 victory.  
Allison Lesonsky would earn the victory in relief, as she allowed 1 run on 4 hits, while striking out 3.  Osheiauna Phifer went 3/5 with 1 RBI and 1 R.  Kate Currie went 3/4 with 3 RBI and 1 R, and Susie Bielecki went 2/4 with 1 RBI and 1 R.

Cleary heads to Lakeland, Florida tomorrow to play a pair with the Southeastern University Flames.  First pitch in game 1 is set for 1:00 PM.