Spartans Come From Behind For Big Win at Softball Championships

Chattanooga, Tenn. – The University of Tampa's Softball team was back in action this afternoon at the Division II Softball Championships. After an opening round shutout win, the Spartans advanced to the winners bracket of their four team pod. The Spartans were matched up with the No. 3 seed, Central Oklahoma Broncos with a chance to move one step closer to a national championship series appearance. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Records: Tampa Spartans (47-10),  University of Central Oklahoma Broncos (52-10)

Location: Frost Stadium at Warner Park l Chattanooga, Tenn. 

History: Today's matchup was the first ever meeting between these two elite programs. With the win, Tampa tleads the all-time series 1-0

Final: Tampa 4, Central Oklahoma 3 

HOW IT HAPPENED - GAME ONE:

The early stages of this pivotal matchup were dominated by pitching and defense. Kate Desimone and her Bronco counterpart in the circle kept both offenses off the scoreboard through the first two innings. Through three innings at the plate for Tampa, Mariah Galhouse was the only Spartans to reach base (leadoff single in T2) as they continued to feel out the Broncos starter. Tampa then fell behind for the first time in this contest when Central Oklahoma was able to break through in the bottom of the third with a two run homerun. Needing a response, the Spartan bats came alive led by their starter in the circle. After a leadoff base hit from Lauren Fantone, the bases were loaded just four batters later and Desimone delivered. She roped a ball down the right field line to bring home two runs and tie the game 2-2. Back in the circle, Desimone tossed her third scoreless frame of the game due to a huge defensive play from Lauren Fantone. After a base hit down the line in the left field, Fantone collected the ball and rocketed it to home just in time to save a run and collect the last out of the inning. The SPartans tried to turn elite defense into offense after Lilly Kiester reached base with a one out single but the Broncos defensive answered back with two elite plays of their own. In the bottom of the fifth, Central Oklahoma took the lead once again after a two out hit brought home a run. However, on the same play, Lilly Kiester earned the second outfield assist of the day for the Spartans as she threw out the trail runner at third base. Despite trailing 3-2, back to back innings being ended by outfielders throwing out runners gave Tampa all the momentum they needed to come back for a second time. In the top of the sixth, Kinnah Kreidler drew a walk and advanced all the way to third a pitch later when Abby Sulte doubled to left center. This set up who else but Kate DeSimone to help herself for a second time, singling to left field to tie the game up at 3-3. The Spartans did load the bases with the help of a Bronco error but were unable to take the lead. With a tie game, the Spartans turned to Gwen McGinnis to take the circle and give them a chance to win. She began her outing by striking out the first batter she faced before inducing two infield pop ups for a scoreless frame. In the top of the seventh and chance to take the lead, the Spartans did not hesitate to strike. Lauren Fantone led off the inning with a single up the middle and reached scoring position after an Alexa Russo sacrifice bunt. The small ball worked to perfection as the next batter Mariah Galhouse doubled down the left field line to score Fantone and give Tampa their first lead of the game. Now leading for the first time in this contest and needing three outs, Gwen McGinnis took the circle with full confidence. She attacked the Bronco lineup early in counts to produce three ground balls that were cleanly handled by her infield. The Spartans came from behind twice in this contest to win 4-3 and are just one of two team to remain perfect at the Division II Championship Tournament. 

INSIDE THE STATS:  

• Kate DeSimone - 2-3, 3 RBI

• Mariah Galhouse - 2-4 2B, RBI

• Lauren Fantone - 2-4

UP NEXT: The Spartans will have an off day in Chattanooga while they await thier next oppenet to come out of the elemination bracket. Tampa's 2-0 start at the DII Softball Championships has them just one win away from reaching the Division II National Championship Series for the first time in program history. The Spartans next contest will take place on May 25th at 1:30pm ET.