Grand Slam Walk-Off by Meagan Burke Complements Another Kayla Cox Gem

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The No. 15 University of Tampa (32-8) softball team started off the NCAA South Regional with an 8-0 victory over No. 23 Saint Leo University (40-15) in a six inning run-ruled game.

A seven-run sixth inning gave the Spartans a walk-off as Meagan Burke capped the heroics with a grand slam to the deepest part of the field.

Tampa got on the board in the third inning as Brie Walton lead off with an infield single to second base. On a sacrifice bunt by the following hitter, Kayleen Boatwright, the throw was mishandled by the SLU second baseman. On the play, Walton advanced to the plate as Boatwright ended up on second base.

UT tacked on three more runs in the sixth inning on singles by Brittany Garcia, Lindsay Dring and Boatwright, prompting a pitching change by Saint Leo. That left the bases loaded and set the stage for the grand slam by Burke, which cleared the center field fence.

Kayla Cox pitched another masterpiece to improve to 24-4 on the season. The national leader in ERA had a two-hitter while striking out six Lions. She now has 299 strikeouts on the year as she aims to be the second pitcher in school history to reach 300. She also has her sights on Deanna Henriott's school record of 308.

The game also featured a number of outstanding defensive plays for the Spartans, most notable diving catches by Walton and Katie Bannon. Kandi Kuder also snared a line drive from her third base position to put the Lions down in the fifth inning.

The Spartans will return to play at the NCAA South Regional on Saturday against the winner of Friday night's Valdosta State and Albany State contest. The Spartans will play at 10 a.m. A link to the live stats and video webcast may be found at TampaSpartans.com on the softball schedule page.

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