Seventh Inning Rally Gives Spartans First Victory, Split with Valdosta State
TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa softball team used a seventh-inning rally in the first game of a doubleheader to defeat Valdosta State by a score of 2-1. The Spartans then dropped the second game 6-1. UT is now 1-5 on the season while the Blazers improve to 5-2.
Trailing 1-0, the Spartans mounted a rally in the bottom of the seventh inning in game one. With one out, Rachel Browning reached base on an error and then advanced to second on a single by Jessica Tejas. Michele Horan then became the star of the game after hitting a walk-off double over the center fielders head, advancing both runners home for the 2-1 Tampa victory.
Devlin Dougherty started for the Spartans and was nearly unhittable once again. Dougherty finished with four strikeouts while allowing five hits and one run in seven innings pitched. The lone run allowed came in the second inning as UT's all-time strikeout leader earned her first win of the season.
In game two, Valdosta State recorded eight hits off of UT starter Heather Van Landingham for the 6-1 victory. For Van Landingham, just three of the six runs were earned as the Spartans committed two errors in the contest.
Brandi Blout was a bright spot for UT in game two, going 2-2 at the plate with an RBI single in the sixth inning. Blout also added a double in the third and a walk in the fourth.
The Spartans return to action on Friday, February 23 at home against West Florida. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m.