Spartans Shutout Sharks in Series Opener

The No. 2 University of Tampa (28-4, 16-3 SSC) softball team claimed a 5-0 victory over Nova Southeastern University (24-16, 11-5 SSC) at the A.D. Griffin Sports Complex on Friday evening.

Senior Kayla Cox started for the Spartans and earned her 14th victory of the season. She tossed 7.0 shutout innings with eight strikeouts while allowing two hits.

Bre Setree gave Tampa an early 2-0 advantage in the top of the first on a two RBI double. Kandi Kuder and Meagan Burke came around to score.

The Spartans extended the lead in the top of the third as Lindsay Dring delivered a two RBI double that plated Burke and Setree.

Jenna Halper added to the Tampa scoring with an RBI double that scored Dring to give the Spartans a 5-0 advantage.

Cox and the UT defense limited Nova to just two base runners in the game.

Setree and Dring led all Spartans with two hits each while Kayleen Boatwright also contributed with a base hit to total seven in the game.

UT will return to action Saturday afternoon for a doubleheader at Nova Southeastern to conclude the SSC series. The first game is scheduled for 1 p.m. Live stats will be available through www.tampa.statbroadcast.com.

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