Emma Chisholm ties for second-most home runs in Sunshine State Conference history
The Florida Tech softball team split its doubleheader with Embry-Riddle before rallying for a dramatic 4-3 walk-off victory in the finale, securing the first-ever Karman Clash rivalry series at Nancy Bottge Field.
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – The Florida Tech softball team split its doubleheader with Embry-Riddle before rallying for a dramatic 4-3 walk-off victory in the finale, securing the first-ever Karman Clash rivalry series at Nancy Bottge Field.
The Panthers dropped the opener 3-1, despite a strong outing from Sammy Murphy, who was tasked with setting the tone for the day.
Embry-Riddle capitalized early, scoring three unearned runs in the first inning to take a 3-0 lead. Murphy and the Florida Tech defense settled in from there, highlighted by Kate Rodel throwing out a runner attempting to steal third base to end a threat in the second inning.
Florida Tech began its comeback in the bottom of the third inning. Chloe Fariello tripled to drive in a run, and Miranda Schwartz followed with an RBI double to cut the deficit to 3-2. The Panthers continued to apply pressure and eventually tied the game, taking advantage of an error and a fielder’s choice that allowed Malaya Nelson to score.
Murphy kept the Eagles off the board the rest of the way, striking out key batters and working out of jams, including a critical defensive play where Fariello threw out a runner at home to preserve the tie.
The Panthers threatened multiple times late, including a triple by Terito in the sixth inning, but were unable to push across the go-ahead run until the final frame.
In the seventh, Ella Niles and Fariello reached base on well-placed bunts and advanced into scoring position on a Schwartz sacrifice bunt. After Emma Chisholm drew a walk to load the bases, Jillian Moeller delivered the game-winning moment, laying down a bunt that brought Fariello home for the 4-3 walk-off win.
Murphy earned her second win of the series with a complete-game performance, allowing no earned runs while striking out four. Fariello also delivered a standout performance, going 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI in the finale. She also pitched a complete game in Game Two, recording four strikeouts.
With the victory, Florida Tech improved its all-time record against Embry-Riddle to 17-15 and 13-6 at home.
The Panthers have now won six of the nine series between the programs and remain unbeaten in conference series played at Nancy Bottge Field.
Chisholm also reached a pair of milestones during the series, tying for the second-most home runs in Sunshine State Conference history with her 17th of the season, while also setting a new program single-season record for total bases, surpassing the previous mark of 115 set by Elisa Bartolo in 1995.
Florida Tech will return to action on the road with a three-game series against Eckerd beginning Friday, April 17 at 7 p.m. ET.
