KIESTER'S WALK OFF TALLIES ANOTHER WIN FOR THE SPARTANS AFTER STRUGGLE IN FIRST GAME AGAINST THE CHARGERS

TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 10 Tampa Spartans hosted the No. 12 Alabama-Huntsville Chargers in a double header showdown for their second matchup of the season. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Game One Final: No. 12 Alabama-Huntsville 2, No. 10 Tampa 0

Game Two Final: No. 10 Tampa 1, No. 12 Alabama-Huntsville 0

Records: University of Tampa Spartans 3-1, University of Alabama-Huntsville 2-2

Location: Naimoli Field | Tampa, Fla.

All-time Series: Alabama-Huntsville leads the all-time series between the schools at 10-5.

HOW IT HAPPENED — GAME ONE:

• In a highly anticipated game, Alabama-Huntsville emerged victorious with a 2-0 shutout against Tampa. The game showcased strong performances from both teams, but it was Alabama-Huntsville's solid pitching and timely hitting that ultimately secured their victory.
• The Spartan's offense had a tough time generating runs against the Charger's strong pitching. The team managed only three hits throughout the game, with Lilly Kiester, Camryn Wineinger, and Megan Devilliers each recording one hit. Despite their efforts, Tampa was unable to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, resulting in a shutout loss. | Final: 2-0 Alabama-Huntsville

 INSIDE THE STATS:

• Sophmore Gwen McGinnis started in the circle for the Spartans. McGinnis recieved her first loss of the season after pitching all seven innings recording five strikeouts, conceding seven hits, giving up two runs. 
• Kiester 1-3
• Wineinger 1-3
• Devilliers 1-3

HOW IT HAPPENED — GAME TWO:

• In a closely contested match, the Spartans emerged victorious against Alabama-Huntsville with a final score of 1-0. The game once again showcased strong pitching performances from both teams. Despite a valiant effort by Alabama-Huntsville, Tampa's timely hitting secured the win.
• Tampa's pitchers, Mary Beth Feldman and Mariah Galhouse, played a crucial role in their team's victory. Feldman started in the circle for Tampa and pitched for 5.1 innings, allowing no runs and only five hits. Galhouse, who replaced Feldman in the sixth inning, continued the impressive performance, pitching for 1.2 innings without allowing a hit or a run, recording two strikeouts.
• The game was characterized by a lack of offensive production from both teams. Alabama-Huntsville managed only five hits throughout the game, with Lawren Hayes, Alexa Douthitt, Jada Henderson, Maddie Cartron, and Caitlin Bryson each contributing one hit. However, they were unable to convert these hits into runs, leaving six runners stranded on base. Tampa fared slightly better offensively, with seven hits, but they struggled to bring runners home as well. Kiester was the standout performer for Tampa, delivering a crucial RBI single in the seventh inning that ultimately secured the victory for the Spartans. | Final: 1-0 Tampa

INSIDE THE STATS — GAME TWO:

• Feldman earned 51 strikes out of a total of 77 pitches.
• Galhouse recorded her second win of the season closing out the match with eight strikes out of nine pitches.

UP NEXT: Tampa travels to Daytona Beach, Fla. to compete in the Embry-Riddle Invitational and will face West Alabama and Valdosta State.