Spartans Return to Win Column in Shutout Fashion

MELBOURNE, Fla. – The University of Tampa Softball Program rebound from consecutive losses and kick off a pivotal road series against Florida Tech with a shutout win.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Records: Tampa 28-10 (15-7), Florida Tech 29-14-1 (15-9)

Location: Nancy Bottge Field | Melbourne, Fla.

History: Tonight's meeting was the 133rd meeting between the Panthers and Spartans, with the Spartans holding a comfortable advantage in the all-time series 79-54.

Final: Tampa 4, Florida Tech 0

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Game one of a huge three game series in Melbourne Florida started with both pitchers pitching this contest to a stalemate. Both pitchers were effeciently cruising through their respective innings as neither team was able to record a hit in any of the first four innings, and Gwen McGinnis holding the Panthers to only one baserunner in that timeframe. This would change in the fifth inning though as the Spartans would capitalize on a Panther miscue followed by consecutive singles from Kenzie Reynolds and Jenna Neupaver to break the ice. This wouldn't be it for the Spartans though, as they would earn three straight free passes onto the base paths, which plated a further two runs, before Joey Trawick would drive in the fourth run of the inning courtesy of a sac fly. This four run lead would be plenty for McGinnis, who returned to her typical dominant form, as she would close out the final three innings and put the finishing touches on her seventh shutout of the season.

INSIDE THE STATS:  

• McGinnis - W (19-4): 7.0 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 7 SO, 1 BB  

• Neupaver - 1-4, RBI (18), SB (9), R

• Reynolds - 2-3, R

• Trawick - 0-1, RBI (10), 2 BB 

() - Season total

UP NEXT: The Spartans return to the field in Melbourne for another double header tomorrow, April 24 starting at 12:00pm.