BOCA RATON, Fla. – An early deficit proved too much for Bethune-Cookman to power back from Sunday afternoon, as the Wildcats fell to homestanding Florida Atlantic, 6-3 in the final game of the First Pitch Classic hosted by FAU at FAU Stadium.
 
A six-run opening inning was all the homestanding FAU Owls (3-2) needed to hold off visiting Bethune-Cookman for the win.
 
BCU sophomore hurler Alexis Bermudez was hit early-on, as the 2019 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Preseason Pitcher of the Year was unable to work past the opening frame – seemingly tired from the long opening weekend of play.
 
FAU shortstop Samantha Lageyre's two-run scoring fielder's choice opening scoring in the bottom of the first inning, while first baseman Lauren Whitt drew a bases loaded walk to plate Lageyre for the easy RBI.
 
Kaitlyn Burke would double past the glove of Brianna Sanders at first, scoring Whitt, Jolie Duffer and Mia Olson to clear the bases and give FAU the 6-0 advantage.
 
The would end the day for Bermudez, as sophomore left-hander Victoria Guzman entered the game and collect the strikeouts in order to retire the side.
 
Bethune-Cookman (1-4) would waste little time chipping into the lead in the top of the second inning.
 
Kayla Traylor punched a two-out single through the hole at second, allowing Sanders to score from third for the Wildcats' first run of the game.
 
BCU cut the deficit at 6-2 in the top of the fourth when Traylor score unearned on a throwing error charged to FAU catcher Christina Deibel trying to cut down Jacki Smith at second base.
 
The final run of the game came in when Sanders would score courtesy an error charged to FAU pitcher Sloan Hammons off the end of a pinch hitter Azaria Wilson dribbler back to the circle.
 
BCU was led offensively by Kaiya Epps-Lee and her 2-for-4 showing at the plate. Traylor collected a hit in her only official at-bat. And it was Jacki Smith and Brianna Paysinger each registering a 1-for-3 day, respectfully.
 
The win went to FAU starting pitcher Kelsey Morrison (2-0) as she worked three innings, allowing just one run on five hits, a walk and collecting two strikeouts. The loss went to BCU's Alexis Bermudez (0-4) who was tagged for six runs (five earned) on two hits and three walks in never getting out of the opening frame.
 
Bethune-Cookman is back in action next weekend when the Wildcats travel to Lake Buena Vista, Florida to compete in the Disney Diamond 9 Citrus Blossom Classic housed at the Wide World of Sports Complex. The three-day tournament begins Friday, Feb. 15, with the Maroon and Gold squaring off against LIU Brooklyn and Providence, respectfully.
 
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