LAKELAND, Fla. – The Embry-Riddle softball team resumed Sunshine State Conference play by starting a series with Florida Southern on Friday.
 
The Eagles returned to their winning ways by defeating Florida Southern (12-16, 4-12 SSC) 5-3 behind a three hit, two-RBI performance by Lisa Hop. A four-run third inning was all the run support Jayla Jackson needed as the Blue and Gold picked up its seventh conference win.
 
Hop and Michy Ramos led ERAU (15-12, 7-6 SSC) with three hits each. Maggie Scott added two hits of her own and extended her hitting streak to 12 games.
 
After stranding runners on base in the first two innings, the Eagles got on the board in the third. Callie Rodriguez walked to leadoff the inning, and a double by Scott gave ERAU runners on second and third with no outs. Both scored on a two-RBI single by Hop. Mariana Pereira continued the rally with a triple to give the Eagles a 3-0 lead. An error allowed the senior to score to make it a 4-0 ballgame into the bottom of the third.
 
The Lady Mocs answered with two runs of their own in the bottom of the inning. The rally started with a leadoff walk and a wild pitch that moved the runner to scoring position. A double to left-center got FSC on the board. Another double with two outs made it a 4-2 ballgame after three innings.
 
Hop started the top of the fifth with an infield single. She advanced to scoring position after a groundout to second. A stolen base by the sophomore gave the Eagles a runner on third with one out. A groundout to third, held Hop at third and gave ERAU its second out of the inning. Ramos refused to leave the runner stranded. The freshman gave the Eagles a 5-2 lead with a two-out double.
 
FSC led off its half of the inning with two singles with the heart of the order due up. Jackson forced three consecutive outs to strand the runners and maintain the 5-2 lead.
 
The junior found herself in hot water in the bottom of the sixth. Two singles and an error loaded the bases with no outs. Jackson stayed composed. A flyout to right field was not deep unable to score the run. The next batter popped out to second base, again causing the runners to stay put. The Michigan native forced a strikeout to get out of the jam unscathed.
 
FSC attempted to ignite one more rally in the bottom of the seventh. A leadoff double followed by a triple made it a 5-3 ballgame with no outs. Hop replaced Jackson in the circle to close the game. A walk put runners on first and third with no outs. The Eagles caught a break after a rundown between third and home gave them their first out of the inning. Two straight flyouts to center ended the game, resulting in the Eagle win.
 
Hop earned her third save of the season. Jackson moves to 8-5 in the circle.
 
The series will conclude tomorrow in a Saturday doubleheader. First pitch of game one will take place at 3 p.m.