WINTER HAVEN — The sophomores shined on Sophomore Night as Polk State Softball closed the season on Friday with a 4-2 victory over State College of Florida-Manatee.

Sophomore pitcher Kyra Ward went the distance and picked up the win in her final game at Polk State (17-25, 4-11 Suncoast Conference). Ward allowed just two runs on four hits and one walk.

"That was amazing," Ward said about being able to get the victory. "I'm glad I got to do this with my girls and go out with a win. I feel incredible."

At the plate, it was Kanitria Antenor who shined for the Eagles. After tripling to open the game and scoring on a Baileigh Herrera single, Antenor's two-run home run in the fourth broke a 2-2 tie and capped the scoring.

The Manatees briefly led after a two-out rally in the third inning. Tori Copeland and Alissa Kessler came up with back-to-back RBI singles to give State College of Florida-Manatee a 2-1 lead.

The Eagles were able to draw even in the bottom of the inning. Emma Hart's sacrifice bunt put two runners in scoring position. Sophomore Alexis Hollinger followed with the game-tying sacrifice fly to score Herrera.

Ward responded by retiring the final 13 hitters she faced. She finished with 10 strikeouts during her team-leading ninth complete game.

"She took advantage of a wide strike zone with a really good screwball," Head Coach Mark Skapin said. "When she throws strikes, she's hard to hit. She went out on top today."

Both teams finished with just four hits. Jenna Satterfield joined Antenor and Herrera as the only Polk State players to record a hit.

With the victory, Polk State finishes three games better than last season. The Eagles and Manatees finished the year tied for third place in the Suncoast Conference.

"It's real nice to end on a high note," Skapin added. "It's a positive for this program and these sophomores. I'm really happy for them. Most teams don't get to go out with a win."