Pitchers Dominate As UT Takes Two Victories

CLERMONT, Fla. - The University of Tampa (15-3) softball team finished off play at the National Training Complex with a pair of victories, defeating No. 17 Wayne State, Neb. (10-4), and Felician (1-7). In game one, it took Tampa eight innings to register a 2-1 win over Wayne State as UT capped off the day with a 4-0 over Felician.

Game one featured a pitching duel as UT's Deanna Henriott was matched with Wayne State ace Katie Goetzinger, who was coming off a perfect game. The matchup lived up to its billing as there was only one earned run in the contest.

Kallan Casey got things started for Tampa in the second inning with a lead-off single. Casey's hustle then allowed her to advance two bases on a perfectly executed bunt by freshman catcher Becky Vyzas. Jessica Tejas then singled to cross UT's first run.

Wayne State tied the score with an unearned run in the bottom of the fifth. In the eighth inning, Jessica Keefe started the inning on second base due to the tie-break rules. Following a Susan Jallo sacrifice bunt that advanced Keefe to third, Ashley Arcuri drove in the eventual game winner with a single to put the Spartans on top for good.

Henriott did her part as she improved to 9-2 with the win. In eight innings, the sophomore from St. Petersburg allowed just three hits while striking out 10 and walking none. The 10 strikeout performance marked the fifth game this season where Henriott has recorded double figures in the category.

Against Felician, the Spartans scored a pair in the bottom of the second to take a 2-0 lead. Jallo broke the scoreless tie with a two-run single to right field, scoring Jessica Tejas and Becky Vyzas. On the play, Felician catcher Johanna Gonzalez was injured, which resulted in a pair of delays for medical assistance.

Tampa upped its lead with runs in the fourth and fifth innings, taking a 4-0 lead. Heather Van Landingham started for the Spartans and pitched her second shutout of the season to improve to 5-1 on the year. The junior from Tampa pitched a two-hitter while striking out three in the game.

UT is back in action on Friday as it opens a Sunshine State Conference series with No. 23 Nova Southeastern University in Tampa. Game time is 7 p.m., at the UT Softball Complex.

Tampa will offer live stats and a free webcast through www.tampaspartans.com. Fans may also sign up for eScores, which is a free service that sends text message alerts to fans at the conclusion of UT athletic events.