Spartans Tame Panthers In Weekend Sweep
TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 13 University of Tampa softball team (23-3, 8-1 SSC) completed the sweep in Saturday's double header against the Panthers of Florida Tech (12-14, 0-6). The Spartans were victorious in the first game with a 4-3 final as the second game posted a 2-1 score in favor of UT.
The early game witnessed the Spartans scoring in the first frame as it posted a pair courtesy of RBI off the bats of Brittany Hipple and Cassie Barnes.
Florida Tech rallied back in the fourth to take the lead as catcher Lani Ankiel provided a three RBI double. The Spartans tied the game in the home half before taking the lead in the fifth. Barnes led the offense for UT as she went 3-3 with a double and two RBI.
The Spartans looked to Kari Walsh (8-2) for the first game as she defeated the Panthers for her eight victory of the year. Walsh tallied 5.1 innings while striking out five and allowing 3 hits. Deanna Henriott tossed the final 1.2 innings as she garnered her second save of the season.
Spartans continued its offense in the latter match as it posted a pair in the third. Katlyn Raatz started the frame with a single and later scored on a Julie Wisniewski double. Susan Jallo would later plate Wisniewski on a sacrifice.
The Panthers split the lead in the sixth as Amanda Bueno scored an unearned run. The threat would end there as the Spartans completed the sweep.
Henriott notched seven innings for UT while tallying nine strikeouts and one unearned run as she improved her record to 15-1.
The Spartans will host a pair of double headers during the week before continuing conference play on Friday. UT faces Hillsdale College on Monday and Webber International on Wednesday. Both twin bills set for 6 p.m. at the UT Softball Field.
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