McGinnis Tosses Complete Game Shutout, Spartans Beat Barry 2-0

Tampa, Fla. – The University of Tampa Softball program took the field this evening to face the Buccaneers of Barry University. This weekend's series is not only important because it is the regular season finale and senior weekend, but because the Spartans enter this three game set two wins from clinching another Sunshine State Conference title. Holding a two game lead over second place Barry and Saint Leo in the standings, the Spartans controlled their own destiny but knew they needed to take it one game at a time. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Records: #5 Tampa Spartans 39-7 (22-6 SSC), Barry Buccaneers 34-17 (19-9 SSC)

Location: Namoli Family Stadium l Tampa, Fla

History: Tonight's game was the 126th all-time meeting between these two programs. Even with the win, Tampa is still behind in the all time series with 51 wins and 75 loses. 

Final: #5 Tampa 8, Barry

HOW IT HAPPENED:

To begin the final series of the regular season, no one else but Gwen McGinnis was going to get the ball. The Senior has had an illustrious career in a Tampa uniform and looked to continue her dominant season against the Buccaneers. She began her day in the circle by striking out the first batter of the day before picking up strikeout number 100 on the season on the next batter she faced. She finished off her 1-2-3 first inning by inducing a weak ground ball to Alexa Russo at the third base. Getting their first crack at the plate, the Spartans earned the game's first hit after Lilly Kiester led off the bottom of the first with a single up the middle. Kiester was able to advance from first to third on back to back balls in play but was stranded on third to end the first inning of play. The top of the second was another quick inning for McGinnis as she sat down the Buccaneers in order to give her offense another chance to strike first. With two outs away, Hannah Yetter drew a walk which led to Kenzie Reynolds and Lilly Kiester loading the bases with back to back base hits. In a bases loaded two out situation, Lauren Fantone delivered with a huge two RBI double to take the lead. Tampa took a 2-0 into the third inning in which McGinnis continued to be perfect in the circle, tossing a third straight 1-2-3 inning. In the bottom half of the third, the Buccaneers matched the zero by McGinnis and a trend of trading scoreless innings began. McGinnis sat down the next six Barry hitters over the fourth and fifth innings, holding a shutout with six outs to get. Offensively, Tampa earned baserunners in both the bottom half of those innings but were unable to capitalize but still led 2-0 heading into the sixth. While Barry earned their first hit of the game and moved a runner all the way to third, McGinnis picked up three more quick outs to end the threat. Vying for insurance runs, Tampa put multiple hard hit balls in play but the Spartans were unable to add to their lead and it was up to McGinnis to shut the door. With three outs to pull one game closer to a share of the SSC crown, McGinnis struckout the first batter of the inning before getting back to back flyouts to complete the shutout. Gwen McGinnis's dominant day in the circle ends with her picking up her 15th win and fifth shutout on the year. Tonight's win over Barry also gives Tampa a share of the Sunshine State Conference regular season title for the fourth straight season. The Spartans can clinch sole ownership of the 2025 SSC Softball Trophy with wins tomorrow over Barry. 

INSIDE THE STATS:  

• Gwen McGinnis Final Line - 7.0 IP, 4 SO, 1 H, 0 ER

• Lauren Fantone - 1-1 2 RBI, Walk, Sac Bunt

UP NEXT: The Spartans and Buccaneers will be back in action in less than 24 hours to wrap up the regular season. Game one of tomorrow's doubleheader will begin at noon with the final game of the 2025 season shortly after the conclusion of game one. Tampa Softball's Senior Day celebration's for the graduating Spartans will take place after the conclusion of Saturday's doubleheader.