No. 9 Spartans Shutout Fighting Knights in SSC Series Opener

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 9 University of Tampa (30-5, 18-4 SSC) softball team claimed a 2-0 victory over Lynn University (20-29, 4-18 SSC) at Naimoli Family Field on Thursday evening.

Senior Kayla Cox started for the Spartans and earned her 16th victory of the season. She tossed a complete game shutout with eight strikeouts while allowing one hit.

Cox and Fighting Knights starter Missy Montgomery battled in a pitcher's duel for the first four and a half innings of the game as each allowed only a single hit.

The Spartan offense came alive in the bottom of the fifth and took a 2-0 lead. Lindsay Dring started the rally with a leadoff single followed by a Katlyn Raatz double to left center. Alyssa Colletti delivered a clutch two RBI single to plate Dring and Raatz giving Tampa the advantage.

Cox and the UT defense limited Lynn to just three base runners and held on for the victory.

Kayleen Boatwright and Kandi Kuder also contributed for the Spartans with a base hit apiece to total five in the game.

UT will return to action Friday morning for a doubleheader against Lynn to conclude the SSC series. The first game is scheduled for 10 a.m. Four Tampa seniors will be honored between games, with Chelsey Brooks, Karlyn Buker, Raatz, and Cox being part of the ceremony. UT will also recognize the seniors from Lynn. Live stats as well as a video webcast will be available through www.tampaspartans.tv.

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