TAMPA, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic softball team began its three-game series against Tampa with a single game against the Spartans on Friday.

The Sailfish faced a Tampa team that is ranked No. 4 in the NFCA top-25. PBA led most of the game but lost a heartbreaker due to an error in the bottom of the sixth. PBA got the tying run in scoring position in the seventh but failed complete the rally, falling 2-1.

Cambria Arturo got the start in the circle. She tossed all six innings without allowing an earned run or a walk. Arturo finished with four strikeouts, giving up five hits.

PBA struck first in the top of the third. Elisa Grande led off the inning with a walk, followed by a single by Bella O'Connor. A fielder's choice made it one out in the inning with runners on first and second. Kendall Baer loaded the bases with a single to center field. The hit set up an RBI single from Briana Rodriguez to make it 1-0 PBA.

Arturo navigated the Spartans' lineup with ease up until the sixth inning. A leadoff single and an error put runners on second and third to start the bottom half of the frame. A sacrifice bunt moved the runners up a base. Arturo got the second out of the inning on a lineout to the shortstop. It seemed like she escaped the threat, forcing a popup by the second-base bag. Unfortunately for the 'Fish, it was dropped, allowing two runs to score and putting Tampa ahead, 2-1.

Gracie Mullett started a Sailfish comeback attempt with a single to start the seventh. A fielder's choice gave Tampa the first out of the inning. An error by first base put runners on first and second with one out. A groundout to first moved the runners to second and third; however, the rally ended on a groundout to second base.

PBA outhit the Spartans, 7-5 in the game. B. Rodriguez led the 'Fish with two hits and an RBI.

The Sailfish finish the series with a doubleheader on Saturday. The first pitch of game one is scheduled for 12 p.m.