Spartans Shut Out Palm Beach Atlantic in SSC Road Opener

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The University of Tampa softball team opened Sunshine State Conference play with a strong performance on Friday evening, defeating Palm Beach Atlantic 2–0 at Simpson Field.

Tampa improved to 17–6 overall and 4–3 in SSC action, while the Sailfish dropped to 8–18 and 0–7 in league play. Behind a dominant complete‑game effort from Gwen McGinnis and timely offense capitalizing on Palm Beach Atlantic miscues, the Spartans earned their fourth shutout of the season.

How It Happened

The game remained scoreless through the first three innings as both pitchers settled in early. Tampa broke through in the top of the fourth inning after Cam Feast reached base and advanced into scoring position. With two outs, Hannah Yetter reached on a fielding error by the Sailfish second baseman, allowing Feast to score the game's first run and give the Spartans a 1–0 lead.

Tampa added an insurance run in the fifth. Kenzie Reynolds singled and moved into scoring position before Kinnah Kreidler delivered a clutch two‑out RBI single through the left side, bringing Reynolds home and extending the Spartan lead to 2–0.

From there, McGinnis took control in the circle. Palm Beach Atlantic managed just two hits on the night and did not advance a runner past second base. McGinnis struck out double‑digit batters and worked out of the few threats she faced to secure the shutout.

Top Performers

• Gwen McGinnis (W, 10–2): 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K — tossed a complete‑game shutout while retiring 10 Sailfish on strikes.
• Kinnah Kreidler: 1‑for‑3, RBI, walk — recorded the eventual game‑winning hit in the fifth inning.
• Kenzie Reynolds: 1‑for‑2, run scored, walk — set the tone at the top of the offense and crossed the plate on the insurance run.
• Abbey Johns: 1‑for‑3 — added a key hit and solid defense in left field.

Up Next

Tampa will continue the Sunshine State Conference series against Palm Beach Atlantic on Saturday with a doubleheader, as the Spartans look to build momentum and climb the league standings.