#1 Barry Tops Tampa in Extra Inning Battle

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. - The first of a three-game set between The University of Tampa softball team and top-ranked Barry University went the way of the Buccaneers in a 3-2 eight inning thriller. The Spartans are now 29-11 and 12-7 in the Sunshine State Conference while the Bucs improve to 40-4 and 17-2 in SSC play.

Following four innings of scoreless play, Tampa struck with the game's first run in the top of the fifth inning. A lead-off home run by Jessica Tejas to left field was the lone run of the inning for the Spartans.

The Buccaneers rallied to take the 2-1 lead with a two-run bottom half of the inning. UT had an answer, scoring on a Michele Horan single that scored Ashley Carrea to even the score at two apiece.

In the eighth inning, Barry loaded the bases with no outs, and scored on a one out single by Brittany Anderson, taking the 3-2 victory.

UT had five hits on the game as Horan, Tejas, Ashley Arcuri, Jessica Keefe and Brandi Blout each had one.

Deanna Henriott pitched for the Spartans and went the duration as she moves to 20-6 on the season. In 7.2 innings, the freshman allowed three runs while striking out three.

The teams will meet again on Saturday as each will conclude their regular season. The doubleheader will begin at 1 p.m. Heading into the final day of the regular season, Barry has already clinched the SSC title while UT is in a three-way second place tie with Nova Southeastern and Saint Leo.