FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Palm Beach Atlantic softball defeated Nova Southeastern 3-2 in the opening game of a three game series on Tuesday evening. The Sailfish (9-5) used a two-run top of the seventh inning rally to defeat the Sharks (8-6) in the series opener. 

Abbey Busby was once again on top of her game in the circle as she went all seven innings giving up only six hits and one earned run while striking out six Sharks in the process. Busby improved her record to 6-2 on the year to keep her ERA at a flat 1.0 on the season. 

The 'Fish offense first struck in the top of the second when Faith Allen crushed a triple to left field which allowed Hannah Carlton to score safely. 

After going down 3-2 PBA would not go down without a fight as Allen started the rally off with a single to the pitcher. Magnolia West followed the single with a walk to put runners on first and second. Alexis Guerra then doubled to deep center bringing home Allen and pushing West to third. Maddie Biggs would be walked to load the bases. Janie McCloskey popped out to a diving shortstop which would be enough to let the speedy West cross the plate to take the 3-2 lead. The Sailfish would hold the Sharks to zero runs in the bottom of the seventh to secure the victory. 

Leading the Sailfish offense was Carlton and Allen who had two hits apiece. Edmilly Molina, Alexis Guerra, McCloskey, and West each had one hit in the game as well. 

The Sailfish will head back down to Fort Lauderdale tomorrow for a double header against Nova Southeastern to complete the three game series against the Sharks. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.