Spartans Outslug Sharks for Sixth Straight Win

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The University of Tampa softball team took its sixth straight victory with a 7-4 victory on the road over Sunshine State Conference opponent Nova Southeastern University.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: University of Tampa Spartans 7, Nova Southeastern University Sharks 4
Records: Tampa (16-4, 14-3 SSC), Nova Southeastern (12-10, 9-8 SSC)
Location: A.D. Griffin Stadium | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
All-time Series: UT now holds a 33-21 lead in the all-time series, and are winners of four straight over the Sharks. The SSC foes will next meet in Tampa, where the Spartans have rattled off five straight over the Sharks.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Tampa came out of the gates strong, plating a pair in its first at-bat. After Stephanie Balmer reached via an error, Cristina Clauberg would reach on a fielders choice, and later score on a two-run double by pitcher Corynn Miner. The two-bagger also crossed Mariah Galhouse, who reached base via a walk. Top 1 | 2-0 Tampa
• Nova Southeastern evened the tally as it capitalized on two errors by the Spartans. A two-run double by Tia Williams scored both runs for NSU, which both went down as unearned. Bottom 3 | 2-2 Tie
• The deadlock did not last long, as Alexa Russo smacked a one-out double. Pinc-runner Abigail Siegel would then score when catcher Lexie Chevalier cracked a two-run home run that cleared the left-field fence. Top 4 | 4-2 Tampa
• The Spartans added three insurance runs in the ensuing inning after Balmer led off with a double and Clauberg followed with a bunt single. Following a NSU double play, Miner and freshman Lauren Fantone each drew a walk to keep the inning alive. Russo would drive in a pair on a single, as Chevalier would drive home the third run of the frame on a single of her own. Top 5 | 7-2 Tampa
• Nova Southeastern would threaten in its final at-bat, crossing a pair of runs that were made possible following a Spartan throwing error. Bottom 7 | 7-4 Tampa

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Chevalier enjoyed a 2-for-3 performance where she connected on a home run while driving in a team-leading three runs.
• Miner and Russo each collected a pair of hits, with both driving in two runs. Miner reached base three times as she also drew a walk.
• Galhouse worked a pair of walks, and scored following each free pass.
• Miner also enjoyed a solid outing in the circle, improving to 8-3 on the season. She would finish with a season-best 12 strikeouts while allowing just three hits and no earned runs.

BEYOND THE BOX:

• The Spartans sit one game behind Rollins College in the SSC standings. With a doubleheader sweep over Florida Southern on Friday, Rollins clinched the 2021 SSC title.
• The Spartans have now scored 16 runs in their past three games.

UP NEXT: Tampa returns home for a Sunday afternoon doubleheader against the Sharks. The first game will begin at 2 p.m., at Naimoli Field.

GAMEDAY MULTIMEDIA: Fans may watch all home games and Sunshine State Conference contests on TampaSpartans.tv. Live stats are also available through TampaStats.com. Follow UT Athletics: @TampaSpartans on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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