Spartans Slay Knights 3-1 in Friday Opener

TAMPA, Fla. –  The University of Tampa softball team opened up their three-game series against the Lynn University Fighting Knights on Friday afternoon. The matchup had the top two teams in the SSC standings facing off, as both teams came into the game with 5-1 records in conference games. The Spartans came away with a 3-1 victory, all three runs coming in the third inning.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final: Tampa 3 (W: Miner 6-1), Lynn 1 (L: Olexa 3-4 ) 
Records: Spartans (12-2, 6-1 SSC), Fighting Knights (8-7, 5-2 SSC)
Location: Lynn Softball Field | Boca Raton, Fla.
All-time Series: Tampa leads Lynn in the all-time series with 40 wins to 20 losses.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:

Top 3rd Inning: Sahrina Cortes laid down a bunt attempt and reached first base safely with one out. Taylor Farrell laid down another bunt and the pitcher picked it up and went to second but Cortes beat out the throw. Bre Setree cleared the bases on a 2-2 count as she hit a single up the middle and was able to reach second on a fielding error by the centerfielder. Lauren Pascoe replaced her as a pinch runner and came around to score a batter later as Corynn Miner hit a double to left-center field.

Bottom 4th Inning: The Fighting Knights tried to come back into the game and were able to put one run on the board as Elizabeth Diaz hit a pinch-hit single to right field with the bases loaded to score Victoria Rios from third.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Miner gave up the single run in her complete game win, tossing nine strikeouts and conceding six hits.
• Pillers and Setree each went 3/3 at the plate, with both hitting a double.
• Tampa has now hit three doubles in back to back games and has 21 overall.

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• Setree extended her streak of reaching base to 14 games with her double in the first inning.
• UT has extended their win streak to six games since a close 5-4 loss at Rollins to open SSC play.
• Pillers has now extended her streak of games with at least one hit to 10. 

UP NEXT:

The series will conclude tomorrow afternoon with a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 12 p.m. Live stats and video will be available on TampaSpartans.com

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