DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Embry-Riddle's starting pitcher Kelsi Collins had a career night in the circle as she and the rest of the Embry-Riddle softball team downed Rollins 2-0 in the first Sunshine State Conference game of the season.
 
Collins racked up eight strikeouts, just one shy of her career high, en route to her first career shutout as an Eagle. The senior went blow-for-blow with the Tars' starting pitcher Ashley Worrell as the two combined for 15 strikeouts, 13 of which came over the first five innings.
 
Rollins (3-1, 0-1 SSC) threatened early and often as the Tars put runners in scoring position from the second inning to the fourth. Isabelle Bonn threw out a runner attempting to steal third in the second frame to end Rollins' attempt to score. In the third, Collins got around a pair of walks by recording all three outs via the strikeout.
 
For the first time this season, Embry-Riddle (3-3, 1-0 SSC) struck first. With two on and two out, ReAnne Drayton stepped in a blooped a ball into shallow center for a hit, which allowed Gigi Auricchio to score.
 
Then in the sixth, Lauren Latoria smoked a pitch toward first base. The Tars' first baseman dove in an attempt to snag the ball, but just missed it as it deflected off the edge of her glove and toward second. Mahaliyah Sandridge took advantage of the bounce and scored from second on the play.
 
Things became interesting in the top of the seventh when Rollins had the tying run on second base with two outs, but Collins closed the door with a fly out to secure the win.
 
Collins (2-1) allowed no runs on four hits with eight strikeouts over her seven innings pitched. Sandridge led the squad at the plate with a perfect two-for-two line as well as a run.
 
The Eagles return for a doubleheader tomorrow at 1 p.m. against Rollins at Radiology Associates Field.