Tampa's Record Setting Season Ends In Championship Series

Chattanooga, Tenn. – The University of Tampa's Softball program took the field this afternoon for games two and three of the Division II National Championship Series. After dropping game one to UT-Tyler, the Spartans are in a "must win" situation as they look to capture the programs first national title. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Records: Tampa Spartans (48-12), University of Texas at Tyler Patriots (62-5)

Location: Frost Stadium at Warner Park l Chattanooga, Tenn. 

History: Today's matchup was just the second meeting all-time between these two elite programs. With the loss, Tampa drops to 0-2 in the series. 

Final: Tampa 0, Texas-Tyler 3

GAME ONE:

With their season on the line, the Spartans knew they needed to play a complete game in order to force a game three. Taking the circle for the Spartans in this must win contest was Gwen McGinnis. She began her outing by earning a ground out on the first pitch she threw before picking up her first strikeout of the game. She ended the top of the first by fielding her position cleanly on a hard comebacker for the final out. In the Spartans first crack at the plate, Alexa Russo was able to draw a walk but was stranded at first as the game remained scoreless after the first inning. In the top of the second, the Patriots earned their first base hit of the game but McGinnis was able to work around the runner to toss another scoreless frame. Trying to spark their offense, Kinnah Kreidler and Abby Sulte both laced line drives to deep corner of the outfield but were caught by UT-Tyler outfielders to keep the Spartans off the basepaths. With the game still 0-0, Gwen McGinnins tossed another scoreless frame in the top of the third as Tampa continued to feel out the Patriots starter. The game's first runs came in the top of the fourth as the Patriots rattled off three straight two outs hits to take a 2-0 lead. In another attempt to answer back and get their offense going, the Spartans put hard balls in play but went down in order due to great defense from their opponents. UT-Tyler then added another run to make the scoreline 3-0 despite great defense from Mariah Galhouse and Kenzie Reynolds. Despite the run, the elite defensive efforts got the Spartans out of a bases loaded jam and still within striking distance. Unfortunately for Tampa, they were held without a base runner in the bottom of the fifth leaving them only six more outs left to get on the board. Kate DeSimone entered the game for the Spartans in the top of the sixth and produced a clean 1-2-3 inning. Tampa was able to break the no-hitter bid from the Patriots starter as Lilly Kiester delivered a two out single. However, Kiester was stranded on first base as the game transitioned to the seventh inning with Tampa still trailing 3-0. Needing a zero, Kate DeSimone stepped back into the circle and punched out the first batter she faced. The Patriots did earn a  base runner but the Spartan defense came up big to collect the last two outs. Down to their last three outs and down by three runs, Tampa left it all on the field. Alexa Russo and Mariah Galhouse again put great swings on balls hit to the gaps but were robbed of extra bases after great defense from UT-Tyler. The Spartans were unable to bring home a run before UT-Tyler secured the final out. Despite the series loss, The Spartans can be proud of their efforts as they went toe-to-toe with one of the best programs in the country. Tampa fell just short of their ultimate goal but it was a record setting year for the Spartans that saw the program make it to the DII National Championship Series for the first time ever. 

INSIDE THE STATS:  

• Lilly Kiester - 1-3 

• Alexa Russo - 0-2, Walk

• Spartans finish the season with 48 wins (Program Record)

UP NEXT: The loss in the national championship series brings the Spartans magical season to an end. Tampa Softball will say goodbye to a core group of seniors that have shaped this program into a powerhouse in the south region. The Spartans will look to reload and use this loss as fuel as they head into the 2026 season with the expectation to be back at the national tournament next year.