Tampa Splits Pair to Conclude Eckerd Tournament

CLEARWATER, Fla. - The University of Tampa softball team recorded a 12-10 victory on a walk-off home run by Jessica Tejas to defeat Eckerd College in the first game of two on the day. The second game, however, did not have the same outcome as Nova Southeastern bested UT by a score of 8-3. The Spartans move to 4-8 on the season.

The first game was a slugfest as both teams countered each other in the first two innings with each scoring two in the first and four in the second. Among UT's runs was a home run that cleared the outfield fence by Samantha Becker.

Heather Van Landingham gained the start, as just two of her seven runs were earned. Krystal Crooks entered in relief for the Spartans and earned her first victory at UT after going five innings while giving up just one earned run.

Trailing 10-9 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Tejas hit a three-run shot to score teammates Kallan Casey and Jessica Keefe.

In game two, Nova Southeastern's bats were too much as they enjoyed a five-run fourth inning to take a commanding 8-2 lead. Tejas was a bright spot on offense, going 3-4 with a run scored. Blout also added a pair of hits along with an RBI from the nine spot.

Devlin Dougherty got the start, but pitched just 3.1 innings while allowing three hits and one earned run. Van Landingham entered in relief and responded with 3.2 scoreless innings with just one hit. She also struck out six Sharks while walking none.

Tampa returns home to host Sunshine State Conference rival Florida Southern in a three game set beginning Tuesday at 7 p.m.