Kayla Cox Keeps Consecutive Scoreless Innings String Intact in Doubleheader Split
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The No. 5 University of Tampa (36-6, 21-3 SSC) softball team wrapped up its 2012 regular season as the Sunshine State Conference champions split a doubleheader at Nova Southeastern University (33-22, 13-10 SSC).
After winning game one by a 2-0 score, the Spartans fell in the final game 5-4.
Sophomore pitcher Kayla Cox pitched the shutout for Tampa in game one, going 7.0 innings and allowing just two hits while striking out eight Sharks. She would also add 2.0 scoreless innings in game two to extend her consecutive innings without an earned run streak to 74.1.
Cox also completed SSC play without allowing an earned run in league play. She also improved her record to 15-1 on the season.
Becky Vyzas and Taylor Storey each drove in a run in the first game as a first-inning home run by Vyzas was all the Spartans needed as each team had just two hits apiece.
The Sharks enjoyed a comeback victory in the second game on Senior Day, as they erased a 4-0 deficit to take the final game of the series.
An infield single by Stacy Piagno gave UT a 1-0 lead in the first inning as head coach Leslie Kanter's team would also cross three in the top of the second. Kayleen Boatwright and Vyzas each had run-scoring singles, with the latter driving in a pair of Spartans.
Vyzas, Meagan Burke and Katlyn Raatz each finished the second game with two hits apiece as UT had 12 as a team.
Deanna Henriott (21-5) took the loss for Tampa, though just three of her runs were earned as the Spartans had two errors defensively. Henriott also had five strikeouts in 4.0 innings of work.
Tampa will now look forward to the 2012 NCAA Division II South Regional, which is scheduled to begin Friday. UT looks to be in good position to host a four-team regional at the Vince Naimoli Family Field.
Pairings for the NCAA Tournament will be announced on Monday at 10 a.m., on NCAA.com. Visit TampaSpartans.com for complete information on the regional tournament.
Fans may also follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (www.twitter.com/utspartans) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/tampaspartans). UT also offers blAst, a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. To sign up, please register at www.tampaspartans.com.