TAMPA, Fla. – The Eckerd softball team hung close with No. 17 Tampa but fell, 2-1, as the Tritons opened up conference play Friday evening at Naimoli Field.
The Tritons loaded the bases to open the game, with Brenna Lokeinsky ripping a single to left field, followed by a Lauren Margolis walk and a single to right field by Skylar Redish. Brooklyn Cardona then drew a bases-loaded walk, scoring Lokeinsky, giving EC an early 1-0 lead.
The Spartans answered immediately to take a 2-1 lead. Lauren Fantone tripled, and Mariah Galhouse followed with a walk and later stole second. Corynn Miner doubled to left field, scoring Galhouse and Fantone for the lead.
After early fireworks, EC and UT engaged in a pitcher's duel that saw both teams toss five scoreless innings the rest of the way. The Tritons' best chance to win the game came in the sixth inning when Kayla Hurley drew a walk to lead off the frame, and a pair of sacrifices by Cardona and Jenice Casanas advanced Hurley to third base but EC was unable to push a run across. The Spartans held on to take the first of the three-game series, 2-1.
HOW IT ENDED
Final: No. 17 Tampa 2, Eckerd 1
WP: Miner (4-1) LP: Perkins (1-2)
RECORDS: Eckerd 2-3 (0-1 SSC); Tampa 6-3 (1-0 SSC)
NOTES AND NUMBERS
- Margolis proved a tough out on the day, reaching base on a single and a walk.
- Cardona earned EC's only RBI with a bases-loaded walk.
- Hannah Perkins tossed a complete game, giving up three hits and striking out four.
- Three Tritons had a hit apiece: Lokeinsky, Margolis, and Redish.
- EC drew four walks: Hurley (2), Margolis (1), and Cardona (1).
UP NEXT
Eckerd continues its three-game series at Tampa with a doubleheader tomorrow starting at 1:00 PM.
