AVE MARIA, Fla.- The Ave Maria University softball team dropped a pair of games in a midweek doubleheader on Wednesday, falling twice to the Conquistadors of Florida National University, 11-0 and 9-1, at the AMU Softball Field in Ave Maria. The Gyrenes fell behind early in both contests, and could not make up the deficit against the visitors from Hialeah, as Florida National moved to 16-8 on the season. 

Florida National never trailed in the opener, scoring a run in the top of the first inning. The Conquistadors pulled away down the stretch of the game, scoring three in the fourth, one in the fifth, and five more in the fifth. Seven of Florida National's starters logged at least one hit, and eight of nine starters either drove in a run or scored one. Gabryella Hay, who pitched all 12 innings on the day, earned the win in the circle. 

Aylin Naranjo got the start for the Gyrenes, pitching the first three innings. The final two pitchers were making their debuts in the circle, as Marisa Michi worked 1.1 innings, including a fourth inning where she did not allow an earned run. Katelynn Sebastiani finished the day in the circle, getting the final two outs of the game, which ended after five innings, without allowing a hit or a run to score.

After giving up two runs in the top of the first, the Gyrenes got their lone run of the day in the bottom half of the frame. Singles from Marisa Michi and Ashley Nelson put runners on first and second with two outs, and Elena Dybiec added another single. A misplay in centerfield after Dybiec's single allowed Michi to score from second, cutting Florida National's lead to 2-1.

FNU would score in five of the game's seven innings to pull away from the Gyrenes in game two. Ave Maria did manage nine hits in the nightcap - led by two each from Miriam Padgett and Marisa Michi - but left eleven runners on base to never truly threaten the Conquistadors. Alissa Bolinger and Kassandra Clark split pitching duties, allowing just four earned runs and striking out six hitters combined. 

Ave Maria returns to Sun Conference play this weekend, taking on a nationally ranked opponent. The Gyrenes will travel to Lakeland for a three-game series with the Fire of Southeastern University. The series starts with a 4:00 p.m. game on Friday, then concludes with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 3:00 p.m.