Tampa Earns Sweep Of SSC Foe Saint Leo

SAINT LEO, Fla. - The University of Tampa softball team (24-6, 11-2 SSC) concluded a Sunshine State Conference series matchup with Saint Leo University (26-20, 5-10 SSC), winning both games in the doubleheader by scores of 3-1 and 7-2 respectively. The three-game sweep marks the first of of the season for UT as it won the first game in nine innings.

Saint Leo struck early in the first inning of game one with a run scored by Tatiana Casis. The Lions held the one-run lead until the fifth inning when the Spartans took advantage of a fielding error, tying the game up 1-1. Freshman Susan Jallo collected the unearned run for Tampa.

At the top of the ninth inning, after Kallan Casey reached on a fielder's choice, senior Rachel Browning captured the win as she homered to left field. Deanna Henriott earned the victory in relief for Tampa, moving to 15-4 on the year.

Tampa came out swinging in the second game as it took an early three-run lead in the top of the second inning. Jessica Keefe scored first reaching on a single and advancing on a pair of SLU errors. Kari Walsh and Cassie Barnes also scored while Jallo and Ashley Arcuri collected an RBI each.

The fourth inning and fifth innings were eventful for the Spartans as Barnes and Becky Vyzas each homered to center field. Also collecting an RBI each for the Spartans were Michele Horan and Kasey Johnson. Saint Leo responded with three runs in the last two innings, but was unable to close the gap the Spartans put between them.

Deanna Henriott gathered the win for both games as she improved her record to 16-4 overall. Henriott held the Lions to only six hits between both games and notched 16 strikeouts.

The Spartans will travel to Rollins College on Thursday April 9 with a start time of 6:00 pm. Live stats will be provided through www.tampaspartans.com.