Valdosta State Upends Tampa To Conclude Eckerd Tourney

CLEARWATER, Fla. - The No. 10 University of Tampa (3-2) softball team suffered a 10-5 loss to Valdosta State University (10-3) at the Eckerd Tournament, which was held at the Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex.

Valdosta State struck first with the game's first run in the top of the second inning. UT then took a 4-1 lead with a four run third inning. The Blazers responded with six in the fifth, one in the sixth and a pair of runs in the seventh to solidify the victory.

Kallan Casey collected a pair of hits for Tampa as Samantha Becker drove in two runs. Senior Jessica Keefe also smacked her first home run of the year.

Deanna Henriott and Heather Van Landingham both pitched, with Henriott getting the start while moving to 2-2 on the year. Henriott did tally nine strikeouts in five innings of work.

UT will travel to Eckerd on Friday for a Sunshine State Conference series with the Tritons. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. Fans may sign up for eScores at www.tampaspartans.com to receive text message alerts following Spartan athletic events.