CLERMONT, Fla. – The Thomas University softball team nearly saw its season come to an end Friday afternoon, but was able to survive a seventh-inning comeback attempt by USC-Beaufort, defeating the fourth-seeded Sand Sharks 4-3 at PFX Athletics Legends Way Ballpark.
 
TU (24-18) recorded 11 hits in the contest, with Junior Corryne Diaz going 3-for-3 at the plate.  Junior Larran Carter (9-3) pitched three and two-third innings, allowing two earned runs in four hits with one strikeout.
 
The Lady Night Hawks flew out to a fast start, as Freshman Averie Sheppard began a four-batter hitting streak that ultimately led to a 3-0 Thomas lead at the end of the first.
 
After each side went three up three down in the second inning, the Sand Sharks quickly put runners on base before TU could nab two outs.  USCB responded with back-to-back outfield hits that led to a run scored (3-1) for the Sand Sharks.  Following the hits, starting pitcher Junior Shaela Brown was relieved from the circle, finishing the day with two hits, one earned run allowed and two strikeouts.
 
The Hunter Green & White would make up for the run scored, as a Diaz single set up Sophomore Addyson Mauldin for the RBI double to bring the difference back to three runs (4-1).
 
USC-Beaufort would see its best scoring chance in the top of the seventh, as the Lady Night Hawks began the inning walking Rachel Frankhouser before grabbing the first out on the next at-bat.  With one out and a runner on first, the Sand Sharks came to life; Maria Molloseau's base hit, paired with a wild pitch, advanced runners to second and third.  Devon Weller produced the RBI single that would enable USCB to cash in on the score, bringing the result to 4-2.
 
With the momentum beginning to shift towards the Sand Sharks, Thomas brought in Senior Rebecca Boesen to end USCB's 2021 season.  The Lady Night Hawks traded a run for an out on the next at-bat, as Bri Dunn's grounder brought home Alyssa Smith to make the contest a one-run difference, 4-3.  With two outs and the tying run on second, Boesen once again delivered a strikeout for the game's final out, recording her third save of the season and saving Thomas' season.
 
Up next for the Hunter Green & White is the No. 1 seed RV Webber International Warriors, with a spot in the championship game on the line.  First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 
For up-to-date information on these games and other TU Athletics, visit www.TUNightHawks.com.  Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, and feature stories of your TU softball team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksSoftb.