Spartans Take Game One In Series With #17 Florida Southern

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa (26-11, 13-7 SSC) softball team picked up a 3-2 walk-off victory over No. 17 Florida Southern College (41-12, 17-5 SSC) in the first game of a crucial Sunshine State Conference series.

Florida Southern opened up the scoring with a run in the first as Tampa answered in the bottom of the second to knot the score at one. UT took a 2-1 lead with a run in the fourth, though the Mocs evened the score in the top of the fifth.

With the score tied at 2-2 in the seventh, the Spartans capitalized on defensive miscues by the Mocs. Lead-off hitter Ashley Arcuri reached on an error, followed by another error with Michele Horan at the plate. With two outs, Samantha Becker then drove in the game winner with a single to right field.

Jessica Keefe led Tampa with a pair of hits at the plate, while driving in UT's first run. Jessica Tejas and Becker also drove in a run for Tampa.

Deanna Henriott (17-8) got the start for Tampa, going the distance while allowing just four hits and two earned runs. She also struck out seven. Christine Clark started for FSC, though Brittany Minton (16-7) pitched the final 3.2 innings.

The teams will be back in action on Saturday in a 1 p.m. doubleheader from the UT Softball Field. The game will mark senior day for the Spartans and their six seniors.

Live stats are 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.