Small Ball Mastery Shines In Spartan Victory Over Nova

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa Softball Program took advantage of some clutch pitching and timely hitting to take game one of this weekend's series against Nova Southeastern.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Records: Tampa 24-8 (11-5), Nova Southeastern 23-15 (8-8)

Location: Naimoli Field | Tampa, Fla.

History: Tonight's meeting was the 73rd meeting between the Sharks and Spartans, with the Spartans holding a comfortable advantage in the all-time series (43-30).

Final: Tampa 2, Nova Southeastern 1

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Spartans got off to a slow start as the leadoff hitter of the game recorded a hit and was able to make it to third with only one out, creating a big scoring opportunity early. However, Spartan starter Gwen McGinnis was able to pull another trick out of her bag of tricks and escape the first inning without allowing a run. The game tapered off slightly over the next few innings with neither team able to muster a legitimate scoring opportunity despite having runners reach base. This continued until the fifth inning when the Spartans made their move. Joey Trawick set the stage with a leadoff double to deep center field, allowing Tampa to get into the offensive pattern they love, which highlights small ball. After advancing to third, Trawick would score on a perfectly placed bunt single from Kenzie Reynolds followed immediately by an RBI infield single from Jenna Neupaver to score a second run for the Spartans without the ball leaving the infield. The Sharks would manage to respond and push a run across against McGinnis, but McGinnis would strike out the final batter of the Shark sixth, stranding the tying and go-ahead runs on base. The Sharks would have one final chance to tie the game, but McGinnis would slam the door shut without allowing a runner in the seventh.

INSIDE THE STATS:  

• McGinnis - W (16-3): 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 7 SO, 1 BB  

• Reynolds - 1-2, RBI (7), SB (3)

• Trawick - 1-3, 2B (3), R

• Neupaver - 1-3, RBI (17), SB (6) 

() - Season total

UP NEXT: The Spartans wrap up their series with the Sharks with a doubleheader tomorrow, April 11, starting at 12:00 pm.