#23 Nova Southeastern Takes Doubleheader Over Tampa In SSC Opener
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The University of Tampa (8-8, 0-2 SSC) softball team dropped a two-game set against No. 23 Nova Southeastern University (22-6, 2-0 SSC) in its Sunshine State Conference opener. The Sharks took the games by scores of 5-1 and 8-2.
The Spartans grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top of the third of game one, coming as catcher Becky Vyzas scored a Shark error. Nova added five unearned runs in the bottom of the fifth to break the game open as UT was unable to mount a comeback.
Heather Van Landingham (3-5) started for Tampa, giving up no earned runs. She also struck out two NSU batters in her 6.0 innings of work.
Vyzas, Susan Jallo and Ashley Carrea each had two hits apiece for the Spartans in game one.
The Sharks scored a run in both the second and third innings of game two as NSU took a 2-0 advantage. Nova added consecutive three-run innings in the fifth and sixth to put the game out of reach.
Kari Walsh (5-3) got the nod for the Spartans and pitched the entire contest. In 6.0 innings, she registered three strikeouts.
Jallo doubled home the first UT run of the game in the sixth. Jessica Tejas had a pair of hits, including a double for the Spartans. Carrea was also credited with an RBI in the seventh.
The teams will close out the three-game series with a single game on Sunday. Game time is scheduled for noon. Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.
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