Tampa Finishes Regular Season With Split Against #17 Florida Southern

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa (27-12, 14-8 SSC) softball team took game one of a doubleheader with No. 17 Florida Southern College (42-13, 18-6 SSC) by a score of 2-1 before dropping the final game of the series, 6-0. The Spartans took two of three in the final day of the regular season as the Mocs took the Sunshine State Conference championship.

In game one, Tampa scored in the second and again in the sixth to claim the victory. Ashley Arcuri turned in a pair of hits, including the game-winning RBI on a single in the bottom half of the sixth.

Heather Van Landingham started for Tampa and pitched five strong innings. She allowed just one run while striking out six. Deanna Henriott (18-8) entered in relief, pitching a perfect final two innings with three strikeouts. Brittany Minton (16-8) took the loss for FSC.

The second game of the split was all Florida Southern as the Mocs jumped on the board with two in the first and sealed the game with a three spot in the fourth inning. Deanna Henriott (18-9) took the loss as FSC's Christine Clark (14-3) went the distance while allowing just three hits.

UT now awaits word on its fate for the NCAA II South Regional. The Spartans are hoping to receive their second straight bid as the top eight teams from the region earn an invitation, though three seeds are reserved for the champions of each South Region Conference. The regional is scheduled for May 9-10 at campus sites.

Please stay tuned to www.tampaspartans.com for complete updates on the NCAA selections.