Tampa Loses Tough Battle In Extra Inning's

Tampa, Fla. - The University of Tampa's Softball team was back home tonight to kick off a three game series with the Panthers of Florida Tech. After back to back road series, the Spartans were ready to be back under the lights in Naimoli Family Stadium. This is a big weekend for the Spartans as they hold a four game lead for first place in the Sunshine State Conference standings. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Records: #3 Tampa Spartans 35-5 (18-4 SSC), Florida Tech 23-18 (13-11 SSC)

Location: Naimoli Family Stadium l Tampa, Fla

History: This was the 130th matchup between these two programs. Even with the loss, the Spartans still lead the series 77-53. 

Final: #3 Tampa 3, Florida Tech 8

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Gwen McGinnis got the start in the circle for the Spartans and began her day with a strong scoreless top of the first. In the bottom of the first, Lauren Fantone reached base via an error before advancing to second on a Lilly Kiester sacrifice bunt. The Spartans earned another baserunner in Mariah Galhouse but ultimately ran themselves out of the inning before scratching a run. The second inning saw near perfect 1-2-3 innings from McGinnis and her Panther counterpart and the game remained scoreless. While Florida Tech earned the first hit of the game in the top of the third, the Spartans responded by scoring the game's first run. Kenzie Reynolds led off the bottom of the third with a single up the middle and the tampa offense was sparked. The next two batters also reached base, leading to RBI singles from both Abby Sulte and Alexa Russo to take a 2-0 lead. Up two heading into the fourth, the momentum was fully on the Spartans side. However, Tampa was unable to add any more runs as McGinnis tossed two more scoreless innings. With the scoreline still 2-0 as the game crossed into the sixth inning, Florida tech finally struck. They ousted McGinnis with four straight hits to start the inning and take the lead 3-2. Mariah Galhouse did an excellent job in the relief to limit the damage and keep this a one run ballgame but the Spartans were now on the ropes. After a scoreless bottom of the sixth, Galhouse again kept the Spartans alive by throwing up a big zero in the top of the seventh inning. With the three outs remaining, Tampa (who has been here before) did not panic and began manufacturing the run they needed. Kate DeSimone led off the inning with a single up the middle before advancing into scoring position on a perfect bunt. Lauren Fantone was able to make something happen with two strikes and hit into a fielder's choice to score DeSimone and send this contest into extra innings. The first inning of extra's was dominated by the pitching. Galhouse and the Panthers starter both tossed hitless innings and for the second straight weekend, the Spartans saw themselves in the ninth inning of a softball game. Unfortunately for Tampa, this weekend's ninth inning did not go their way. Florida Tech led off the inning with a single before the next four Panther hitters all reached base. In total, Florida Tech put up six hits and five runs in the top of the ninth to all but put this game away. Kinnah Kreidler and Kate DeSimone did earn back to back free passes to try and start a last chance rally but neither was able to score before the third out. Despite solid pitching for eight innings, the Spartans were unable to come through with enough offense and the Panthers escaped game one with a win. 

INSIDE THE STATS: 

• Abby Sulte - 1-3, RBI

• Kenzie Reynolds - 1-2 

UP NEXT: The Spartans and Panthers will be back in action tomorrow afternoon to wrap up this three game set. Friday's double header will begin at 1:00pm with game three of the series happening shortly after the conclusion of game two.