No. 15 Spartans Shutout Sharks in SSC Series Opener

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 15 University of Tampa (26-8, 14-5 SSC) softball team defeated Nova Southeastern University (23-24, 6-16 SSC) at Naimoli Family Field on Friday.

Kayla Cox started for the Spartans and earned her 20th victory of the season. She tossed 7.0 complete innings with 10 strikeouts while allowing no runs on two hits. Her record improves to 20-4 on the season.

Tampa took an early lead in the bottom of the first. Katie Bannon came around to score the first run for the Spartans on an RBI groundout by Stacy Piagno. Taylor Storey followed with an RBI double that scored Meagan Burke to take a 2-0 advantage. Both runs were unearned as a result of a fielding error by the Sharks.

Both teams were held scoreless for the remainder of the game as Cox and Nova starter Erika Garcia dominated in the circle.

UT will return to action Saturday at home for a doubleheader to conclude the three game series against Nova Southeastern. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 1 p.m. Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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