Tampa Softball Outlasts Pace, Advances To National Championship Series

Chattanooga, Tenn. – The University of Tampa's Softball program has gotten off to a hot start at the Division II Softball Championships. Tampa's 2-0 start has advanced them into the semi-final round, one win away from the championship finale. Meeting the Spartans in this semi-final matchup is Pace University who has advanced out of the elimination bracket. In a game that featured not just the two best pitching staffs in the country, offense was going to come at a premium. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Records: Tampa Spartans (48-10), Pace University Setters (48-13)

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

History: Today's matchup was just the second meeting all-time (first meeting came in 1995) between these two programs. With the win, Tampa leads the series 2-0. 

Final: Tampa 4, Pace 2

HOW IT HAPPENED:

With a chance to play for a national title on the line, the Spartans went to Gwen McGinnis in the circle to set the tone of this game early. McGinnis dominated out of the gates, sitting down the first 11 batters she faced in order for a total of 3.2 IP without allowing a baserunner. This elite stretch to start the contest allowed Tampa enough time to feel out the Pace starter the first time through the lineup. After being shutout in the bottom of the first, one big swing got Tampa going in the second. With two outs already gone, Abby Sulte crushed a solo home run off the scoreboard in left center to give the Spartans an early lead. Tampa held a 1-0 lead until the fourth inning when Pace finally got on the board. The Setters hit their own two out home run but with a runner on first to put them in front 2-1. Needing a response, Alexa Russo led off the bottom of the fourth with a double to deep right center. This leadoff hit sparked a huge rally for the Spartans as the next batter Mariah Galhouse doubled down the left field line to tie the game. Kinnah Kreidler kept the on base streak going as her speed on a bunt forced a bad throw down the right field line, allowing Galhouse to score from first. Tampa was not done yet as a batter later, Kate DeSimone smoked a line drive over the head of the Pace shortstop to bring home a run and the lead grew to 4-2. After helping to put up a three spot in the bottom of the fourth, DeSimone was then called on to relieve McGinnis in the circle. Being 2-2 at the plate in this contest, DeSimone was looking to add to an already impressive day. She began her outing by keeping Pace scoreless in the top of the fifth before tossing a perfect 1-2-3 inning in the top of the sixth. The Tampa offense was unable to add insurance runs but with DeSimone dealing it did not matter. She struck out the first batter she faced in the top of the seventh before inducing a weak fly ball. DeSimone then picked up her fourth strikeout of the day for the final out, sending the Spartans to the Division II National Championship Series. In the program's first trip to the championship tournament, Tampa Softball ran the table to finish 3-0 in bracket play. 

INSIDE THE STATS:  

• Kate Desimone - 2-2, RBI (In The Circle - 2.2 IP, 1 H, 4 SO, 0 BB, 0 SO)

• Abby Sulte - 1-3 HR, RBI

• Mariah Galhouse - 1-3 2B, RBI

UP NEXT: The Spartans will face UT-Tyler (No. 1 Seed) in a best-of-three series for the national championship. Game one of this best on best championship series is slated for 6:00pm on Tuesday, May 27th. The 2025 Division II National Champion will be crowned on Wednesday, May 28th with game two at 3:00pm and the "If Necessary" game three at 6:00pm. Fans can stream the championship series live on NCAA.com and follow @UTampa_Softball on all social media platforms to stay up to dat ewith the Spartans quest for a first national title.

UPDATED BRACKET: