HARDEEVILLE, S.C. - Taylor Florea was lights out in the series finale, as the junior right-handed pitcher twirled a complete-game, no hitter against Ave Maria on Saturday at Richard Gray Stadium. To back her dominating performance, the USCB softball team downed the Gyrenes, 2-0, to win the series finale at home. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Florea - complete-game no hitter, seven innings, no hits, two walks, five strikeouts

Francie Gaskin - 1-for-2, double, RBI, one run

Addie Reynolds - 0-for-3, RBI

Devon Weller - 1-for-3, single, one run

Daryn Miller - 1-for-2, single

HOW IT HAPPENED

It was the Florea show from first pitch-on. The transfer from Francis Marion was dominant in the circle, as she collected the first complete-game no hitter since the 2019 campaign. USCB twirled a combined no-hitter last year versus Montreat between Sierra Bilinski and Libby Carey. However, the last complete-game no hitter was in 2019 when Maria Molloseau downed Trinity Baptist.

In Saturday's game, Florea didn't allow a Gyrene to reach base until the fifth inning when a player drew a one-out walk. Florea ended the contest with two walks and a hit by pitch but still didn't surrender a hit. She forced Ave Maria to put the ball in play, as 13 of the 21 outs were ground outs. 

USCB's offense had a prime chance to back the junior's outing in the bottom of the second. Thanks to two hit by pitches and a single, USCB was able to force the bases loaded. However, no Sand Shark was able to touch home to keep the game scoreless. 

Moving into the sixth frame, USCB finally broke through to back Florea. After two quick outs, Weller started the rally with a single. Gaskin made it hurt with a ringing double to left center, which allowed Weller to score. Reynolds put the ball in play, which doubled the Sand Shark lead - 2-0.

Florea had no issues in the top of the seventh, as she faced just four Gyrenes to seal the complete-game, no-hit shutout over Ave Maria. 

RECORDS UPDATE

USCB - 18-18 overall, 9-9 Sun Conference

Ave Maria - 20-20 overall, 10-8 Sun Conference

WHAT'S NEXT?

USCB will take two days off to prepare for nationally-ranked Georgia Gwinnett on Tuesday, April 12. First pitch against the Grizzlies is set for 2 p.m. at Richard Gray Stadium.