Florida Tech Softball Crowned Leadoff Classic Champions After Finishing Weekend a Perfect 5-0

By  //  February 11, 2019

Panthers Move to 7-2 on young season

Florida Tech softball (7-2) pulled off the perfect weekend as the team went 5-for-5 and was crowned NFCA Division II Leadoff Classic champions. (Image by Florida Tech)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Florida Tech softball (7-2) pulled off the perfect weekend as the team went 5-for-5 and was crowned NFCA Division II Leadoff Classic champions.

They were bestowed this honor due to the fact they were the only team out of the 20 participants that went undefeated.

The Panthers did emerge victorious but Lenoir-Rhyne did not make it easy as they fought tooth and nail. Once the dust settled, the scoreboard read 3-1 in favor of Tech.

Melbourne native, Melanie Murphy, was called upon to start the game on the mound and she delivered a masterful 4.1 inning performance.

During her time on the rubber, she allowed no runs, one hit and six strikeouts.

Tina Velazquez Rolon (2-0) finished out the game as the junior held the Bears to one run and three hits over the final 2.2 innings.

Much of the game saw the fielding of both teams overshadow the batting as neither team got onto the scoreboard until the bottom of the fifth.

Melbourne native, Melanie Murphy, was called upon to start the game on the mound and she delivered a masterful 4.1 inning performance. During her time on the rubber, she allowed no runs, one hit, and six strikeouts. (Image by Florida Tech)

Florida Tech was the first team to break the scoreless tie as Mikayla Wessel laid down a bunt that scored Shanysse Emerenciana and Rachel Kraak made it safely across the bag too due to an interference call.

The Crimson and Gray struck again in the bottom of the sixth when Alexus Smith, the sole batter to tally multiple hits, dropped one in left field that allowed Peyton Anders to record her second run of the season. This brought the score to 3-0 as the game headed into the final inning.

The top of the seventh did provide some fireworks as the leadoff batter powered a ball over the center-field wall which brought the score back within two runs.

However, Velazquez Rolon did not let that faze her as she stood strong and closed out the game. This put the final score at 3-1 and sealed the Panthers perfect weekend.

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Florida Tech will look to extend its winning streak to seven straight Tuesday, Feb. 12, when the team goes to St. Augustine, Florida, for a single game showdown with Flagler College.

First pitch for this regional game is set for 5 p.m. ET.

For the latest news, updates and information on the Florida Tech softball team, visit FloridaTechSports.com.

Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Panthers news by following Florida Tech Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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