LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern College fell 11–2 to the University of Tampa on Thursday evening at Chris Bellotto Field. Florida Southern (7-21, 1-11 SSC) managed four hits in the contest, while Tampa (22-7, 9-4 SSC) secured the win with a seven-run sixth inning.
In the first inning, Tampa took the lead with a two-run homer from Cam Feast after Karlee Salisbury singled. Florida Southern responded with
Gigi Polanco scoring on a sacrifice fly by
Kate Mikle. The scoreboard read 2–1 in favor of Tampa at the end of the first.
The Moccasins evened the score in the fourth inning. Mikle singled, and then
Cam Nolte, pinch-hitting for
Carsyn Kull, delivered an RBI single that brought home
Des Aitken, tying the game at 2–2.
Tampa regained the advantage in the fifth inning. Abbey Johns walked and later scored on a single by Jenna Neupaver. Feast added another RBI with a double, increasing Tampa's lead to 4–2.
In the sixth, the Spartans extended their lead significantly. Several hits, including a double by Olivia Feldman that cleared the bases, resulted in seven runs for Tampa. This brought the score to 11–2.
The game concluded with a final score of 11–2 in favor of Tampa.
Mikle contributed with one hit and one RBI, finishing with an OPS of .833. Aitken pitched 5 2/3 innings, recording five strikeouts. Polanco tallied one hit and one run, maintaining an OPS of .667. Nolte delivered a pinch-hit, driving in one RBI and achieving an OPS of 2.000.
Aitken pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing 11 earned runs on 11 hits, including one home run, while striking out five and walking four. Aitken faced 32 batters and threw 111 pitches, 76 of which were strikes, recording a WHIP of 2.88.
Amanda Lieberman made a brief relief appearance, pitching 1/3 inning, striking out one batter, and allowing no hits or runs over eight pitches.
On Tampa's side, Feast led the charge with three hits, including a home run and a double, driving in three runs. Neupaver made significant contributions with two runs and two RBIs. Salisbury showcased her skills by scoring twice and securing two hits, adding a double to her tally. Feldman made a notable impact with a bases-clearing double, driving in three runs to bolster the team's offensive effort. Gwen McGinnis distinguished herself on the mound by pitching a complete game, striking out three batters while allowing only one earned run over six innings.
Up next for Florida Southern, the team will face the Spartans again in a doubleheader on Friday, April 3. Game one will take place at 4 p.m. at Chris Bellotto Field in Lakeland, Florida.
