NAPLES, FL – The Nazareth College softball team managed just three runs combined in the final two games of the annual spring training trip to Florida as the Golden Flyers dropped a 6-3 decision to the University of Saint Joseph and then fell 5-1 to North Central College.

The Golden Flyers (4-6) saw both of their runs in the opener scored as freshman Sarah Simmons connected with a two-run home run in the fourth inning after senior Madison Joseph had drawn a leadoff walk on a nine-pitch at-bat as she fouled off four pitches to extend the plate appearance and earn the walk.

The two runs were not enough as Saint Joseph (5-6) scored twice in the first to take an early lead and added three more runs in the third and one in the fourth to go up 6-0.

Junior Kylie Smith started in the circle for Nazareth and lasted 3 1/3 innings before freshman Maddie Funk came on in relief and tossed 3 2/3 hitless innings with four strikeouts.

Sophomore Mackenzie Kapp and freshman Kristen Simmons led Nazareth with two hits each. Both of the Simmons hits were doubles.

In the final game of the trip, the teams played a scoreless forth two innings before rain started to fall late in the second inning and picked up in the top of the third inning. The umpires considered delaying the game but were asked by tournament management to continue the play.

In the top of the third inning, North Central (4-0) took advantage of the conditions and four consecutive walks and three wild pitches with two outs in the inning to score four times before the rain finally stopped.

Nazareth scored in the fourth inning as Joseph connected on a one-out single and moved to third on a Kristen Simmons single before Sarah Simmons singled to drive her home for the only run of the game for the Golden Flyers.

North Central used a pair of singles in the fifth to add a run to its total for the 5-1 lead.

Sarah Simmons had two hits to lead the Nazareth offense.

The Golden Flyers return to Rochester and are scheduled to play at SUNY Morrisville next Saturday.