Spartans Take Pair Of Victories In Second Day Of Eckerd Tourney

CLEARWATER, Fla. - The No. 10 University of Tampa (3-1) softball team had no problems with a pair of Sunshine State Conference opponents in non-conference play at the Eckerd Tournament. At the Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex, UT defeated Florida Tech (2-5) 6-3 and then No. 16 Saint Leo by an 11-0 score in five innings.

Against Florida Tech, UT broke a 3-3 tie with a three run sixth inning to overpower the Panthers. Becky Vyzas and Rachel Browning each collected a pair of hits in a well balanced offensive effort that saw five Spartans drive in a run.

Heather VanLandingham started and went 6.1 innings for her first win of the year. She struck out four before departing as Deanna Henriott closed the door with the final two outs for the save.

Against its first nationally ranked opponent of the season, Tampa put on a show with three runs in the first and eight in the fifth to beat the Lions. One day after setting the school record with 18 strikeouts against Armstrong Atlantic State, Henriott pitched a one-hit shutout to move to 2-1 on the year.

Kallan Casey led the Spartan offense with a 3-4 effort as the senior score two and drove in a pair of runs. Samantha Becker also had two hits, including a home run, and collected two RBI's. Jessica Tejas also had two RBI's for Tampa.

UT will complete play at the Eckerd Tourney on Sunday in single elimination play. The first game will begin at 9 a.m., against Valdosta State University. Fans may sign up for eScores at www.tampaspartans.com to receive text message alerts following Spartan athletic events.