Florida Tech Softball Upsets No. 22 Tampa, 3-1
By Florida Tech Athletic Communications // February 28, 2015
Florida Tech Softball Now 16-3, 1-0 In Conf.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Florida Tech Softball (16-3, 1-0 SSC) opened Sunshine State Conference play with a 3-1 win at No. 22 Tampa (8-4, 0-1 SSC) Friday night at Naimoli Family Field.
The game was the definition of a pitchers’ duel, with both Rachel Pence and Julia Morrow tossing gems. Both starting pitchers allowed just a single run in regulation.
The Spartans grabbed a 1-0 lead in the third when a Kandi Kuder double brought home Jenna Halper.
The Panthers didn’t take long to respond, tying the game the very next inning. Elaine Brown laid down a bunt for a single and alertly headed to second with nobody covering the bag.
Brown advanced to third on a wild pitch and came around to score on a Taylor Peterson squeeze bunt.
Pence and Morrow battled deep into the night until the Panthers seized the game in the 11th inning. Brown once again used her legs to reach, legging out an infield single to Morrow.
Hailey Leonard gave FIT the lead with a triple laced to center field. Nicole Shinsky singled up the middle to add an insurance run and give the Panthers a 3-1 lead.
Pence wrapped things up in the bottom half of the inning, ending the game with a 4-6-3 double play.
The Panthers and Spartans will reconvene with a doubleheader on Saturday. The two-game set at Naimoli Family Stadium will be played at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. ET.
Links to live pay-per-view video and free live stats will be available courtesy of Tampa at FloridaTechSports.com
