Victory Propels Spartans to South Region Finals

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. - The University of Tampa (35-12) won their second game of the day 2-0 against third-seed Saint Leo 2-0 to advance to the NCAA Division II Softball South Regional Championship game against host and number one seed Barry University.

Cassie Barnes put the Spartans up on the board quickly in the second inning with a two out homerun over the left field wall. In the third Ashley Carrea added the insurance run after leading off the inning with a double. Ashley Arcuri drove Carrea in on a RBI sacrifice fly.

Deanna Henriott (24-8) hurled her second victory of the day with a five hit shutout victory. She struck out five. The shutout marked the third for the Spartans in the tournament after dropping the first game to Rollins 4-1.

Ashley Urbanik was charged with the loss for the Lions. She gave up three hits, two earned runs and eight strikeouts. She finishes the season with a 24-8 record.

The Spartans tied their school record for most wins in a season with the victory.

The Lions conclude the season with a 37-15 mark on the season.

The Spartans and Buccaneers will face-off for the South Regional Championship and a bid to the NCAA Division II Championship Festival in Houston, Texas.

-courtesy Ismael Lopez