Spartans Take Series With Doubleheader Split With Florida Tech

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa (21-6, 8-2 SSC) softball team split a Saturday afternoon doubleheader with Sunshine State Conference opponent Florida Tech (13-16, 2-7 SSC), taking two of three in the SSC series after a Friday night victory. After winning game one by a 4-1 score, UT fell 3-2 in the second game.

In game one, Tampa got two in the second and tacked on another two runs in the third inning to grab control of the game. Rachel Browning collected two hits and an RBI as Samantha Becker and Jessica Keefe also drove in a run for Tampa.

Heather Van Landingham (7-2) started for the Spartans and recorded the complete game while allowing just four hits in seven innings of work. Van Landingham also had three strikeouts in the victory.

Tampa struck first in the second game, grabbing a 1-0 lead in the first inning. The Panthers scored a pair in the second and another in the sixth. The final run proved to be valuable as Susan Jallo had an inside-the-park home run for Tampa to lead off the seventh. UT threatened as it left two runners on base for the final two outs of the game.

Ashley Arcuri and Michele Horan each had two hits in game two as Browning and Jallo accounted for the two runs. Deanna Henriott (13-4) started for Tampa and gave up five hits while striking out five.

The Spartans return to action on Saturday as it begins a three-game SSC series at Saint Leo. Saturday's game begins at 4 p.m. as the series will conclude with a Sunday afternoon doubleheader that begins at 1 p.m.

Tampa will offer live stats 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.