WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Palm Beach Atlantic softball team faced a tough doubleheader against the University of Tampa on Saturday at Simpson Field, falling 2-0 in the first game and 8-0 in the second.
PBA (8-20, 0-9 SSC) took the Spartans (19-6, 6-3 SSC) to extra innings in game one. The game was held scoreless until the eighth inning when Tampa broke through. Tampa clinched the series after scoring two runs in the top of the eighth to win, 2-0. Game two was close for the first five innings. The Spartans held a 1-0 lead going into the sixth, but a seven-run sixth put the game out of reach.
PBA is back in action on Friday when it travels to Nova Southeastern. First pitch in Davie, Fla. is set for 6 p.m.
Game One – UTampa: 2, PBA: 0
In Game one, despite an impressive performance from pitcher
Rylee Little, who struck out five over eight innings, the Sailfish were edged out by Tampa's late two-run surge. In the eighth inning, Tampa managed to break through and seize the lead over the 'Fish.
The Sailfish had their chances to shift momentum earlier but couldn't capitalize on key opportunities. In the fourth inning,
Marli Szierer and Little hit back-to-back singles, putting runners on first and second with just one out. Unfortunately, the Sailfish couldn't convert, as a groundout left them stranded, missing a crucial chance to take control.
Despite a strong defensive display, including a double play in the fourth inning to stifle an early Spartans threat, the 'Fish struggled to turn their limited offensive opportunities into runs.
Larken Maseda contributed a hit and two defensive assists behind the plate. Szierer recorded a hit in her three plate appearances at third base. Little pitched a complete game, showcasing her resilience by holding Tampa scoreless through the first seven innings. She allowed five hits and two earned runs, throwing 125 pitches with 72 strikes and facing 33 batters.
Game Two – UTampa: 8, PBA: 0
In Game two, the Sailfish were unable to break through Tampa's pitching, remaining hitless throughout the six-inning game. The contest remained scoreless until the sixth inning, when Tampa managed to string together a series of hits that changed the game's momentum.
The 'Fish showed resilience with solid defensive plays, yet the bats stayed quiet in this outing.
Lauren Allen delivered a solid effort in the circle for the Sailfish, pitching five innings and allowing just four hits with two earned runs, complemented by a strikeout.
Ashlyn Storms provided a key strikeout in her brief relief appearance.
