COLLEGE SPORTS: Florida Tech Softball Keeps Rolling, Stretches Win Streak to 13

BREVARD • VIERA, FLORIDA – The Florida Tech softball team continued its dominant run in the USSSA Space Coast Spring Games with back-to-back wins, stretching its streak to 13 games. The Panthers topped Molloy 12-9 in a high-scoring affair and then blanked Southern Connecticut State 3-0 to close out their successful day in Viera.

GAME ONE: Florida Tech 12, Molloy 9
STATS OF THE GAME:
Final: Florida Tech 12, Molloy 9
Records: Florida Tech (20-12, 7-5 SSC) | Molloy (5-8, 0-0 ECC)
Location: USSSA Space Coast Complex | Viera, Fla.

Florida Tech found itself in a back-and-forth battle in the opening game of the day, with both teams trading leads throughout the contest. Molloy struck first with two runs in the bottom of the first, thanks to back-to-back hits and aggressive base running. However, the Panthers quickly responded in the third inning, when three consecutive singles, including a clutch two-run hit by Miranda Schwartz, helped them take a 4-2 lead.

The Lions fought back, adding a run in the bottom of the third, but the Panthers’ offense proved relentless. Tech extended its lead to 6-3 in the fourth with key extra-base hits from Brooklyn Lorenzo and Kate Rodel, while Malaya Nelson added an RBI single.

Kelsey Han took over in the circle for Florida Tech in the fourth, effectively shutting down Molloy’s lineup for two innings. The sixth inning was a wild one, as both teams combined for 12 runs. Hailey Mix’s first career home run was a highlight, bringing in two of Tech’s six runs in the inning.

Molloy fought hard with four hits and a few walks to keep the game within reach, but the Panthers’ defense held strong in the final frame. With two runners on base and the tying run at the plate, Chloe Fariello came on in relief and sealed the victory with two groundouts and a fly out, earning her first career save in a 12-9 win.

GAME TWO: Florida Tech 3, Southern Connecticut State 0
STATS OF THE GAME:
Final: Florida Tech 3, Southern Connecticut State 0
Records: Florida Tech (21-12, 7-5 SSC) | Southern Connecticut State (9-5, 0-0 NE10)
Location: USSSA Space Coast Complex | Viera, Fla.

The second game of the day saw Florida Tech take control with a dominant defensive and pitching performance. Chloe Fariello, fresh off her save in the first game, made an immediate impact as a batter, reaching base and scoring the game’s first run in the opening inning thanks to a throwing error by the Southern Connecticut catcher.

On the mound, Sammy Murphy was sensational, continuing her stellar form by pitching five scoreless innings and keeping the Owls’ hitters off balance. She got out of a jam in the third inning with a key lineout and then cruised through the middle innings, allowing only one hit in the fourth and fifth.

Florida Tech added a second run in the fourth when Hailey Mix’s single allowed Rider to score, and Miranda Schwartz capped the Panthers’ offense in the sixth, blasting a triple and scoring off a throwing error by the Owls’ catcher for the 3-0 lead.

Fariello closed out the shutout, pitching two scoreless innings in relief and striking out two, earning her second career save. The Panthers’ defense and pitching were impenetrable, with Florida Tech securing the 3-0 victory.

NOTABLE PANTHERS:

Miranda Schwartz had a standout day, going 3-for-5 with a triple and three RBIs in Game 1. She also scored a run and contributed offensively in the second game with a triple.

Sammy Murphy pitched 5 shutout innings in Game 2, earning her ninth win of the season and extending her scoreless streak to 17 innings.

Chloe Fariello continued her excellent performances, earning two saves on the day while striking out four batters in three innings of relief.

Hailey Mix had a breakout game with her first career home run, driving in two RBIs in Game 1. She also added a single and an RBI in Game 2.

Kate Rodel recorded her second career multi-hit game with a 2-for-4 effort in Game 1 and her first career extra-base hit.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:

The Panthers remain unbeaten against both Molloy (9-0) and Southern Connecticut State (3-0), continuing their dominance in the USSSA Space Coast Complex.

Florida Tech has now won 13 consecutive games, marking their longest win streak since 2013.

The Panthers are now 14-4 all-time at the USSSA Space Coast Complex, with a perfect 3-0 record this season.

Sammy Murphy’s ERA improved to 2.91, ranking 18th in the SSC.

Florida Tech’s defense continues to shine, as the Panthers have shut out their opponents in three of the past four games.

UP NEXT:

The Panthers will look to extend their streak as they head to Saint Leo for a three-game series starting Friday, March 21, at 6 p.m. ET at Nancy Bottge Field

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