Bats Wake Up As Spartans Earn Split With Rollins

WINTER PARK, Fla. - After being no-hit in Thursday's opening game, The University of Tampa (25-8, 12-4 SSC) responded with a 9-7 victory in game one of Friday's doubleheader against Rollins College (36-7, 9-6 SSC). The Tars then finished off the series with a 2-1 victory in the second game, which went eight innings.

The UT offense put nine runs on the board in game one, marking its highest scoring output in over a month (3/6). Seven Tampa starters notched at least one hit as Ashley Arcuri and Samantha Becker each had two. Kallan Casey and Becky Vyzas each drove in three while Jessica Tejas had two RBIs.

Heather Van Landingham (8-2 )started in the circle for the Spartans, throwing the first 4.1 innings en route to being the winning pitcher. Deanna Henriott (4) earned the victory with 2.2 innings of relief, allowing zero earned runs and striking out three while picking up the save.

In game two, Tampa broke a scoreless tie with a run in the top half of the sixth inning. The Tars avoided a loss with a run in the bottom of the seventh and secured the walk-off victory with another run in the eighth.

Arcuri and Casey each collected a pair of hits in the second game as Michele Horan tallied the lone RBI. Deanna Henriott (17-6) pitched the entire game for the Spartans, allowing a pair of runs while striking out eight Tars.

The Spartans are back in action on Friday as they entertain defending SSC champion Barry University at 7 p.m. from The University of Tampa Softball Field.

A live audio webcast and live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com. Fans may also sign up for eScores, which is a free service that sends text message alerts to fans at the conclusion of UT athletic events.