Bethune-Cookman University’s softball team completed its participation in the USF-Rawlings Invitational in Tampa, Florida, with losses to No. 6 Florida and the University of South Florida (USF) on Saturday.
In their first game against Florida, Bethune-Cookman (0-5) was held scoreless. The Gators’ starting pitcher Ava Brown retired the Wildcats in order during the opening inning. Florida quickly took control offensively, scoring early after a double and a home run by Taylor Shumaker. They continued to add runs with a double from Gabi Comia and a sacrifice fly by Townsen Thomas in the second inning.
Bethune-Cookman managed its first hit in the fifth inning when Jasmine Mañebo doubled to right-center field, marking her first collegiate hit. Emma Bradley-Tse added another double in the seventh inning, but both runners were left stranded as Bethune-Cookman failed to score. The Gators extended their lead throughout the game and secured an 8-0 win under the run rule.
Pitcher Aimi Tohara-Yshiki started for Bethune-Cookman and allowed six earned runs over two innings. Relief pitchers Malaiyah Galindo and Mia Gonzalez each gave up one run during their time on the mound.
In their next game against USF (2-2), Bethune-Cookman struggled defensively as well as at bat. USF scored five runs on five hits in the first inning, including a double, triple, and home run. The Bulls replicated that output with another five-run third inning, taking a 10-0 lead.
The Wildcats’ offense showed some life in the fourth inning when Emma Bradley-Tse and Jessica Alaan hit consecutive singles but did not score any runs. Those would be Bethune-Cookman’s only hits of the game before falling 10-0 after five innings.
Mia Gonzalez started for Bethune-Cookman and pitched two innings while allowing six earned runs. Malaiyah Galindo surrendered four runs in less than an inning of relief work, while Aimi Tohara-Yshiki pitched just over one scoreless inning.
Bethune-Cookman’s softball team will play its home opener against North Dakota State at Sunnyland Park on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
For updates on Bethune-Cookman Softball, fans can follow @BCUSoftball on X/Twitter or Instagram (@BCUSoftball). Additional news about Bethune-Cookman Athletics is available via Twitter (@BCUAthletics), Instagram (@BCU_Athletics), or through BCUathletics.com.
