Spartan Offense Overpowers Moccasins

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 13 University of Tampa (20-8, 8-5 SSC) softball team defeated Florida Southern College (12-19, 4-6 SSC) at Naimoli Family Field on Thursday by a score of 8-0.

Kayla Cox started for the Spartans and earned her 15th victory of the season. She tossed 5.0 complete innings with seven strikeouts while allowing no hits. Cox recorded her sixth no-hitter of the season and improves her record to 15-4.

The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the fourth inning as the Tampa offense came to life. The Spartans exploded for eight runs starting with a one out double by Stacy Piagno. She scored the first run of the game on an RBI single by Katlyn Raatz. Kandi Kuder followed with an RBI single that plated pinch runner Meagan Brislin.

Meagan Burke highlighted the inning with a two RBI double to center nearly clearing the fence. Kayleen Boatwright and Brie Walton came around to score on the base hit. Lindsay Dring also recorded her first RBI of the season in the inning.

The strong Spartan defense held the Moccasins scoreless in the top of the fifth to win the game as a result of the run rule.

UT will return to action Friday afternoon at home to conclude the series with a doubleheader against Florida Southern. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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