Tampa Nears Record Winning Streak in Doubleheader Sweep
TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa softball team extended their winning streak to nine games in a pair of victories over West Liberty State (W.V.) College. After winning 7-0 and 7-1, the Spartans now need just one victory to tie the school record of 10 consecutive in 2002. UT now stands at 14-10 on the season as West Liberty State drops to 1-7.
The Spartans scored a pair of runs in the first inning in game one and added two in the third and three in the fifth inning to put the game out of reach. Devlin Dougherty got the start and earned her third shutout of the season after allowing just three hits and striking out 10 in seven innings of work.
At the plate in game one, Dougherty also led the Spartans with two hits and a pair of RBI's. Samantha Becker, Kelly Glover and Jessica Keefe each added an RBI in the first game as well.
In game two, the Spartans crossed four runs in the first inning and added a single run in each of the final three innings. The scoring added plenty of insurance for starting pitcher Heather Van Landingham as the freshman allowed just two hits and an unearned runs in seven innings. Van Landingham struck out 10 Hilltoppers while walking none.
Michele Horan paced the Spartans with a team-high three hits from the leadoff position. Dougherty added a pair of RBI's while freshman Jessica Tejas had a two-run double. Becker, Keefe and Brandi Blout each drove in a run as well for UT.
The Spartans head to Plant City for the Florida Southern Invitational this weekend, beginning with a pair of games on Friday. Tampa faces Hillsdale (Mich.) at 3 p.m., and then meets Bryant at 5 p.m.