Second Inning Defensive Woes Sink Spartans In NCAA Opener

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The University of Tampa (27-13) softball team suffered a 5-0 loss to No. 3 Valdosta State University (55-6) in the opening round of the 2009 NCAA II South Regional from the VSU Softball Complex.

The Blazers struck for five runs in the second inning behind a quartet of fielding blunders by the Spartans in the frame. Each of the runs was unearned, though the Blazers collected three hits in the prolonged inning.

Samantha Becker accounted for Tampa's only hit of the game as she led off the second inning with a single to right field. Kallan Casey reached base all three times as she drew a walk in each of her plate appearances.

Deanna Henriott (18-10) started for Tampa and pitched six innings, allowing no earned runs. Her four strikeouts moved her UT single-season record to 260 on the year. Holly Satterfield (21-2) took the victory for the Blazers.

UT will be back in action at the South Regional on Saturday against No. 22 Florida Southern College. Game time is 4 p.m. at the VSU Softball Complex in Valdosta. A Spartan victory would send UT to the 6:30 p.m. game in the double elimination tournament. VSU and Nova Southeastern both won on Friday and will meet on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. for a spot in Sunday's finals.

UT will offer free live stats for each of its games, which are available 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. Fans may also follow the Spartans on Twitter under utspartans.