Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 FORT MYERS, Fla. - The New College of Florida softball team opened up their season on the road against defending 3x national champion Florida Southwestern. 

The Banyan's traveled to Fort Myers, FL for their first action of the 2024 season. Their opponent, Florida Southwestern, is coming off another junior college National Championship, their third in a row. 

Madilyn Dutton drew a walk in her fast at-bat, giving the Banyan's their first base runner of the afternoon. Dutton was caught trying to steal second base, ending the top of the first inning. Dutton opened the game for the Banyan's, walking the first batter of the game. The Bucs lead-off hitter stole second base, setting up FSW with a runner in scoring position and no outs. Dutton walked the second batter of the inning, but an error from NCF allowed the runner from second to score. The Bucs no. 2 hitter to advanced to third base, putting pressure on NCF. Dutton finished the inning strong with her first strikeout. 

Tiffany Lepic drove a liner into the left field gap for a single, and the Banyan's first hit in program history to begin the second inning. With runners on first and second, freshman Cheyenne Waddel stepped up to the plate. Waddel fought into a 2-2 count, but couldn't capitalize, popping up to the second basemen. 

The Banyan's gave up three more runs in the second, putting a heavy emphasis on their offense in the third inning. Jalyssa Ledesma connected on fast ball, driving the ball into the center-field gap. Ella Kraszewski battled in her at bat, getting hit by a pitch and advancing the lead runner to second. With two runners on and no one out, sophomore Madison Garcia stepped up to the plate. Garcia lined the ball to the shortstop on a diving catch. The shortstop quickly relayed the ball to the first basemen, who turned the it into a triple play. 

The Bucs continued to rally, scoring runs and paying stellar defense. Their firepower was too much for NCF, taking a 8 run lead and winning game one in five innings. 

New College continued their struggles in the second game of the double-header. 

Freshman Lillian Urbina singled for New College's only hit of the evening. Madison Mendoza and Madilyn Dutton both pitched two innings, giving up four runs each. Florida Southwestern capitalized, scoring eight more runs and winning 8-0. 

The Banyan's are back in action on Sat. Feb 3 for their home opener against Ave Maria.