A three-run second inning proved to be fatal as the Hofstra softball team was tripped up by Florida Gulf Coast University 3-2 to wrap up the Unconquered Invitational at Florida State University on Sunday afternoon.

When these two teams clashed earlier in the tournament, it was the Pride coming out on top, handing the Eagles their very first loss of the season. This time around, the fortunes were reversed, with Hofstra falling just a run short and ending the weekend with a 2-3 record.

The difference-maker came for FGCU after Hofstra had briefly taken a 1-0 lead in the first inning off of a RBI single from Sarah Edwards, scoring Kristin Hallam.

When the Eagles came to bat in the top half of the second inning, they responded with fireworks.

Brittany McGuire put FGCU on the board with a solo shot, tying the game at one. A pair of doubles plated two more runs, and pitcher Sarah Cornell was yanked in favor of freshman Sophie Dandola. By the time the Pride got to bat in the home half of the second inning, it was 3-1 Eagles.

Hofstra was held in check until the sixth inning, when Devyn Losco entered the game as a pinch-hitter and laced a triple into left field. Michaela laid down a bunt single to drive her home, but the Pride couldn’t push the tying run across, leaving two runners on base. In the seventh inning, Hofstra went down in order to end the game.

Cornell took the loss, dropping her record to 5-4 on the season. Dandola pitched 5.1 scoreless innings of relief, only allowing one hit and striking out four.

Florida Gulf Coast pitched by committee, with Morgan White earning the win in relief.

Hofstra will take a week off before welcoming Fordham University to Bill Edwards Stadium in the Pride’s home opener on March 13 at 3 p.m.