Spartans Break Out Brooms In Doubleheader Win Over Saint Leo
TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa (18-10, 9-3 SSC) softball team took a doubleheader from visiting Saint Leo University (18-23, 5-7 SSC) to claim a three-game sweep in the Sunshine State Conference series. After winning the first game 5-2, the Spartans needed a seventh inning rally to defeat the Lions by a score of 5-4.
Brittany Dattilo notched a three run triple in game one to lead the UT offensive effort as Jessica Tejas collected a pair of hits. Tejas and Cassie Barnes each drove in a run as well.
Heather Van Landingham (10-6) went the distance for the Spartans, fanning six Lions in 7.0 innings of work.
In game two, the Spartans scored a run in the first and second innings before the Lions put up two runs in the fourth. Tampa claimed a 3-2 lead with a run in the bottom of the sixth, but the Lions earned their first lead of the series with a pair of runs in the top of the seventh.
Trailing 4-3 and down to its final three outs, Becky Vyzas put the Spartans in position with a one-out triple to right field. Vyzas would score on a Saint Leo error as Brittany Hipple advanced to second base after drawing a walk. Tampa's Barnes then drove in the game-winning run with a single up the middle to score Hipple.
Hipple, Barnes and Dattilo each finished game two with a pair of hits as Barnes drove in two runs. Hipple and Dattilo each had an RBI as well.
Kari Walsh (8-4) was the victorious pitcher for the Spartans after hurling 7.0 innings. She finished with six strikeouts.
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Tampa will be back in action on Fri., Apr. 9 as it will host SSC leader and national No. 17 Rollins College. The opening game is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the UT Softball Field. Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.