Dominating Spartans Leave Blazers Feeling Blue in Doubleheader Sweep

Mariah Galhouse
Mariah Galhouse
February 8, 2025

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 10 University of Tampa softball team claimed a pair of decisive victories over NCAA South Region opponent Valdosta State University on Saturday afternoon.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Location: Naimoli Stadium | University of Tampa 

History: Tampa has now won five straight against the Blazers, though VSU holds a 35-18 lead in the series.

Game One Final: No. 10 Tampa 4 | Valdosta State 1

Game Two Final: No. 10 Tampa 6 | Valdosta State 0

Records: Tampa (7-1), Valdosta State (4-5)

HOW IT HAPPENED - GAME ONE:

Mariah Galhouse (2-0) delivered a complete-game gem, tossing seven innings, allowing just one run on eight hits, while striking out five and walking one. She kept the Valdosta State lineup in check, scattering hits across multiple innings and working out of jams efficiently. After a scoreless start through two innings, Tampa struck in the bottom of the third. Leadoff hitter Lauren Fantone started the rally with a single through the right side, followed by another base hit from Kinnah Kreidler. With two outs, Galhouse came through for her own cause, delivering a clutch two-RBI single that allowed Fantone and Kreidler to score. An outfield error helped Tampa extend the lead, with Abby Sulte crossing the plate, making it 3-0. Tampa tacked on another run in the fourth. After Joey Trawick reached on a hit-by-pitch and stole second, Fantone drove her in with an infield single, extending the lead to 4-0. The Blazers got on the board in the sixth inning. McNearney and Gano led off with back-to-back singles. A wild pitch advanced the runners, but Tampa's defense came up big, catching McNearney in a rundown between second and third. Phillips later singled to right field, scoring Gano, cutting the lead to 4-1. However, Galhouse remained composed, retiring the next batter to end the threat. In the top of the seventh, Valdosta State attempted a late rally, as Portanova doubled to left field with one out. But Galhouse induced two quick outs, including a pop-up to first and a flyout to left field, sealing the victory for Tampa.

INSIDE THE STATS: 

HOW IT HAPPENED - GAME TWO:

Tampa's Kate DeSimone (1-0) was electric in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout, allowing only six hits while striking out 10 batters and issuing no walks. DeSimone was in full control, keeping Valdosta State hitters off balance and stranding eight runners on base throughout the contest. Tampa wasted no time getting on the board, putting up a four-spot in the bottom of the first. Lauren Fantone led off by getting hit by a pitch. Lilli Kiester followed with a bunt single, putting two runners on. After a flyout, Mariah Galhouse walked, loading the bases. Alexa Russo then delivered the big hit, a two-RBI double to left center, scoring Fantone and Kiester. Kelsey Winters capped off the inning with an RBI single, bringing the lead to 4-0. The Spartans continued their offensive onslaught in the second inning: Kenzie Reynolds singled to start the frame. Fantone then executed a perfect bunt single, moving Reynolds into scoring position. Kinnah Kreidler then delivered an RBI single up the middle, with an error allowing another run to score, making it 6-0. From there, DeSimone took over, striking out 10 batters and allowing just six hits. Tampa's defense was stellar, with zero errors, ensuring that Valdosta State couldn't capitalize on any offensive opportunities.

INSIDE THE STATS:

UP NEXT: The Spartans open Sunshine State Conference play with a three-game series at home against Saint Leo University. The series begins on Friday at 6 p.m.