Tampa Softball Set For Busy Weekend
The Spartans will have three doubleheaders in four days with two of them being at home
TAMPA, Fla. – After opening the season at 2-0, the University of Tampa Spartans will have little time to think about those wins as they get set to play six South Region games in four days. Tampa will host the University of West Georgia Wolves for a doubleheader on Thursday, Feb. 8 starting at 6 p.m., take on No.18 Valdosta State on Saturday at Eckerd for a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. and close out the weekend on Sunday with the final two games against Young Harris starting at noon.
The Matchup: Tampa vs. West Georgia
Date/Time: Thursday, February 8th at 6 p.m.
Location: Naimoli Family Softball Field | Tampa, Fla.
About the Spartans: Tampa is off to a 2-0 start after sweeping the doubleheader against Warner this past weekend. Makaleigh Dooley has started out strong in the circle as the junior clinched both wins for the Spartans, one as the starter and the other in relief. Dooley has tossed 9.1 innings and has yet to give up an earned run while striking out five and walking no batters. At the plate, Dooley has helped out her own cause as well as she leads the team at the moment with a .667 AVG and leads in RBI with three. Erica Matich had a strong performance in the opening weekend going 3 for 5 with one run and two RBI. Freshman Bailey Phillips had one of the biggest moments in her young career as a Spartan as she broke the tie in the 2nd game with a shot to straightaway center that came up just short of clearing the fence by a couple of feet.
About the Wolves: West Georgia comes into the matchup with a 4-1 overall record after their opening weekend including wins over SSC members Eckerd (9-3), Nova Southeastern (1-0) and Barry (8-3). The Wolves are led in the circle by freshman Katie Foote who is off to a 3-0 start and comes in with a 0.76 ERA in 18.1 innings pitched. Foote has given up 11 hits including four doubles and has tossed three walks. The pitcher has also struck out 12 batters but has also hit four batters. Her performance over the weekend earned her the Gulf South Conference league's Pitcher and Freshman of the Week. At the plate, Lexie Stohr has played in all five games and has a .467 AVG with seven hits, five runs, and six RBI to go along with four walks drawn. Despite only playing in three games, Lexi Close leads the team in batting with a .556 AVG.
Series History: Tampa leads the all-time series against UWG 4-1. Last time the two teams met, UT came away with a 4-3 win.
The Matchup: Tampa vs. Valdosta State
Date/Time: Saturday, February 10th at 1 p.m.
Location: Turley Athletic Complex | St. Petersburg, Fla.
About the Blazers: Valdosta State comes to Tampa with a 5-1 record to start the 2018 season. VSU's lone loss of the season came to SSC member Florida Tech (4-1) on Saturday. Kathryn Carter has collected two of the Blazers four wins in the circle as she has tallied 20.1 innings of work and has given up 11 runs on 21 hits while striking out eight and given up eight walks. Taylor Hartenbach leads the offense for Valdosta State with a .563 AVG. Hartenbach has nine hits, nine runs scored and has already hit four home runs while collecting 10 RBI and also drawing eight walks. Jessica Mohl has a team-leading 10 hits in 21 at-bats and has two home runs.
Series History: Tampa trails in the all-time series against VSU with 7 wins and 30 losses.
The Matchup: Tampa vs. Young Harris
Date/Time: Sunday, February 11th at 12 p.m.
Location: Naimoli Family Softball Field | Tampa, Fla.
About the Mountain Lions: Young Harris is off to a 3-1 start this season and will take on SSC member Saint Leo in a three-game series on Friday and Saturday before coming to Tampa on Sunday afternoon. Dharma Rosbrugh has tossed two complete games and is undefeated and still has not given up any runs. The pitcher has given up six hits in fourteen innings and also tossed seven walks while striking out five. At the plate, Haylie Shope is hitting .667 AVG and has four runs scored while Hannah Harrison is second on the team with a .462 AVG and leads the team with four RBI and six hits.
Series History: This will be the first time these two schools have played.
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