Tampa Set to Host Southwest Minnesota State

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa softball team will look to carry the momentum from the weekend series, into the mid-week doubleheader against Southwest Minnesota State.

The Matchup: University of Tampa Spartans (12-9, 6-6 SSC) vs. Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs (4-3)

Date/Time: Tuesday, March 12 || 3 p.m. (DH)

Location: Naimoli Family Softball Field || Tampa, Fla.

Series History: The Spartans have won all four games; sweeping Southwest Minn. State in last year's series, out-scoring the Mustangs 9-1 in two games. 

Last Time Out: Tampa won the weekend series over No. 10 Florida Tech; defeating the Panthers by mercy rule in game two and out-lasting FIT in a 13-inning thriller in the rubber match. Trailing by one run in the 13th, the Spartans stole game three with a two out, two-run single from Sam Worrell. Makaleigh Dooley pitched nine innings in relief, striking out nine batters in the process while picking up her 10th victory of the season. Tampa logged the most hit-by-pitches in a game, dating back to 2006, as UT's offense reached base five times via HBP. Corynn Miner registered a career-high three hits in the final game of the weekend slate. In game two, UT snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 9-1 victory. The Spartans offense walked seven times in game two, the second-highest total of the season. 

About the Spartans: After dropping game one on Friday night, the Spartans rebounded with a Saturday sweep. Tampa will look to build on the two-game winning streak after losing the previous seven contests. Miner leads the team in hits (15) and RBI (13), while Worrell trails by one in each category (14 hits, 12 RBI). Worrell, the senior transfer from USF, leads the team with five extra-base hits. Dooley leads the Spartans in the circle, owning a 10-5 record (1.26 ERA) on the season with 11 complete games in 13 starts. The senior from Wharton HS has registered 107 strikeouts in 94.1 innings pitched. She leads the SSC in strikeouts and ranks second in wins, walks allowed (7).

About the Mustangs: Southwest Minnesota State played four games in the last two days, dropping this afternoon's doubleheader to No. 10 Florida Tech. FIT out-scored SW Minn. State 21-4 in the two game slate. On Sunday afternoon, the Mustangs dropped two games to Rollins College which ended their undefeated start. Athena Golling has appeared in four games for the Mustangs, holding a 2-2 record (1.22 ERA) with 20 strikeouts in 24 innings pitched. Emma Grote and Bailey Johnson are tied for the team-lead with 10 hits apiece. Madison Krog leads the team with five extra-base hits, four doubles in 18 at-bats. 

Watch Live: Fans may watch the game through TampaSpartans.tv. Live stats are available through TampaStats.com.

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