Tampa Softball Suffers Pair of Close Losses to Open Season

TAMPA, Fla. - Both games of an opening day doubleheader went down to the wire as the University of Tampa softball team suffered 1-0 and 5-4 losses to 12th-ranked University of Alabama-Huntsville. The Spartans are now 0-2 on the season as the Chargers improve to 4-0.

The first game remained scoreless until Alabama-Huntsville scored the lone run of the game in the top of the ninth inning. The Spartans had their opportunities, leaving a total of 11 runners on base.

Krystal Crooks had a pair of hits in game one, which was her first as a Spartan. Devlin Dougherty started, pitching 8.1 scoreless innings before giving up an unearned run. Dougherty allowed just three hits in nine innings, striking out four.

In game two, the Spartans took a 4-2 lead following a three-run fourth inning. The lead was held until the top of the seventh when UAH struck for a pair of runs. The Chargers scored a total of three runs in the final two innings to regain the lead, which was held for the victory.

Freshman Heather Van Landingham earned her first career start at pitcher, throwing 6.2 innings and allowing five runs, four of which were earned. Jessica Keefe led the Spartans at the plated, recording two hits. Keefe also drove in a run, as did teammates Kallan Casey and Jessica Tejas.

UT is back in action on Sunday when they host 16th-ranked Barry at 12:00 noon.