Spartans Sweep Braves in Thursday Doubleheader
TAMPA, Fla. - Strong pitching led the No. 15 University of Tampa softball team to sweep the University of North Carolina Pembroke in its Thursday afternoon doubleheader. The Braves fall to 12-10 with the two losses while the Spartans improve to an 18-2 record on the season. Tampa took the first contest in a 2-0 shutout and won the second 2-1.
In game one, Deanna Henriott dazzled again as she pitched her second one-hitter of the season in the 2-0 victory over UNC Pembroke. Henriott threw a complete seven inning shut-out to earn her twelfth win of the season, while striking out seven and walking none. The junior's record improves to an astounding 12-0 on the season as she has yet to be defeated in her 2011 campaign.
First baseman Brittany Hipple picked up the only RBI of the game, a single in the home half of the first. Catcher Becky Vyzas hit the only extra-base hit by either team, a double to deep right center.
Braves hurler Natalie Klemann threw six innings of four hit ball, surrendering two unearned runs to be tabbed with the loss.
The Spartans jumped on UNC to begin the second game, tallying two runs in the first inning to put Tampa ahead of the Braves 2-0.
The Braves take one back in the second, picking up a run off a single by Hillary Jones to put the score at 2-1, ending the scoring for both sides.
Julie Wisniewski notched two singles on the contest, while Hipple picked up another hit on the set. Lefty Kari Walsh earned the win, pitching seven full innings, giving up a single unearned run and two hits. Her record improves to 6-2 on the season as Tampa's pitching tandem has been hard to hit this season.
The Spartans welcome Nova Southeastern in their next home series, as they play a three game set against the conference foe. Game one will be played Saturday at 6 p.m. while the doubleheader is scheduled for a noon start on Sunday. Livestats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.
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