LAKELAND, Fla. — The Florida Southern Moccasins (8-21, 2-11 SSC) had a mixed doubleheader against the University of Tampa Spartans (23-8, 10-5 SSC) at Chris Bellotto Field on Friday. The Moccasins broke free from a 17-game losing streak against the Spartans with a spirited 6–3 victory in the first game, but fell short in the second, losing 2-0.
FLORIDA SOUTHERN 6, TAMPA 3
In game one, Florida Southern staged an explosive third inning, racking up six runs to overturn Tampa's early advantage. The Spartans initially took charge in the second inning when Abbey Johns crossed home plate on a walk by Cam Feast, putting Tampa ahead 1–0. The Moccasins answered resoundingly in the bottom of the third.
Emma Lucchesi reached on a fielding error, setting the stage for
Gigi Polanco's walk and
Gabby Young's single, loading the bases.
Hannah Lewis then singled, bringing Lucchesi home.
Kate Mikle stepped up with a clutch two-RBI single, driving in Young and Polanco.
Cam Nolte added to the momentum with an RBI single, and
Kelly Keating's single up the middle, coupled with a throwing error, drove in two more. The Moccasins ended the inning on top, 6–2. Tampa managed to add a run in the fourth when Jenna Neupaver scored on a single by Kinnah Kreidler, but Florida Southern's defense held strong for the rest of the game, sealing the victory.
Mikle shone with two hits and two RBIs, underscoring her offensive impact. Polanco contributed a hit and a run, while her defensive prowess was evident with three assists from shortstop. Nolte chipped in with a hit and an RBI, rounding out an impressive showing by the Moc's top performers. On the mound,
Natalie Snowden pitched 1 2/3 innings, allowing no hits but issuing five walks and two hit batters, resulting in one earned run.
Amanda Lieberman delivered a steady relief performance, pitching 5 1/3 innings and allowing two runs on two hits, with four walks and one strikeout.
FLORIDA SOUTHERN 0, TAMPA 2
In game two, Florida Southern fell to Tampa with a final score of 2-0. The Mocs managed just two hits, with highlights including a triple from Nolte. Both teams started strong, keeping the game scoreless through the first four innings. However, Tampa found their stride in the fifth. Karlee Salisbury singled down the left field line and eventually made her way to third, scoring on a throwing error by the catcher to give the Spartans a 1-0 lead. Tampa added to their lead in the seventh. Salisbury once again made an impact, singling up the middle and later scoring on a double by Neupaver, bringing the score to 2-0.
Florida Southern showed potential in the seventh inning. Lewis singled to right field and was replaced by pinch runner
Izzy Barrios. A hit-by-pitch put Mikle on base, advancing Barrios to second. Despite the promising start, a lineout followed by a double play ended the inning without a score for the Moccasins.
Des Aitken put in a commendable effort from the mound, pitching a complete game. She allowed six hits and two earned runs over seven innings, striking out two.
Nei Nei De Jesus contributed with a triple in her two at-bats, although she was caught stealing once. Lewis led off with one hit in three at-bats. Aitken's performance was notable, with 95 pitches thrown, 57 for strikes, and achieving a WHIP of 1.14.
For the Spartans, Neupaver had a standout game with two hits, including a double, and an RBI. Salisbury was exceptional, collecting three hits in three at-bats and scoring twice. Pitcher Gwen McGinnis delivered a complete game shutout, giving up only two hits over seven innings, marking her 15th win of the season with a WHIP of 0.57.
Next up, Florida Southern will take on the Saint Leo Lions on Friday, April 10, at 6 p.m. at University Softball Stadium in Dade City, Florida.
