Spartans Split Double Feature Against Panthers
MELBOURNE, Fla. - After taking the first game of the Saturday double header against Sunshine State Conference opponent Florida Tech (14-14, 5-7 SSC) by a 3-1 tally, the University of Tampa softball team dropped the series finale 4-3 to send its record to 15-10 and 6-3 in SSC play.
The Panthers struck first in the early game scoring an unearned run in the home half of the second. UT wasted little time tying up the contest with a run of its own in the third.
Becky Vyzas started off the scoring threat with a triple. Next batter, Brittany Hipple singled in Vyzas to knot the game at one.
The Spartans would take the lead in the fifth, benefiting from a Panther error.
After a throwing mishap on the pitcher sent pinch runner Brie Walton to third, Ashley Carrea sent a base hit up the middle to plate Walton.
The Spartans would add insurance in the sixth as Vyzas singled. A critical throwing error sent Vyzas to second and sent Susan Jallo across the plate.
The three unanswered runs were plenty for Heather Van Landingham as she earned her eighth win. En route to the complete game victory, Van Landingham registered three punch outs while allowing two hits and the unearned run.
The weekend finale provided a less fortunate outcome for the Spartans as they dropped the matchup. The Panthers struck first scoring a pair in the second.
After surrendering a walk to Lani Ankiel and a single to Kara Dickinson, a double off the bat of Reanna Witt plated the pair. FIT would add another in the third in the form of a Sarah Oram triple and RBI single by Brianna Barth.
The Spartans rallied in the fourth inning for a pair of runs on four hits to cut the lead.
Vyzas put UT on the board by started the frame with her second home run of the season. Hipple followed with a two-bagger off the center field wall. Jessica Tejas and Cassie Barnes continued the threat, contributing a base hit each. Pinch runner Shannon Kelly scored via the Barnes' single.
The Spartans would square the contest at three in the fifth after an RBI single by Vyzas scored Jallo.
The Panthers regained the lead in the bottom half as a Brooke Fisher RBI single plated Barth and gave the Panthers the victory.
The Spartans are scheduled for a midweek match up against SSC opponent Saint Leo on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Live stats will be available for viewing through www.tampaspartans.com.
Fans may also follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (www.twitter.com/utspartans) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/tampaspartans). UT also offers eScores, a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. To sign up, please register at www.tampaspartans.com.