FORT, LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Mar. 14, 2010) - The Nova Southeastern softball team (22-7, 2-1 SSC) wrapped up its weekend series against the Tampa Spartans (9-8, 1-2 SSC) Sunday with a loss, 2-1. The Sharks won the weekend series two games to one.

The Sharks were defeated by Spartan pitcher Heather VanLandingham who only allowed two hits. She had a no-hitter going into the seventh inning, when Laura Saladrigas (Fr., Hollywood, Fla.) and Noemi Luciani (Sr., Miami, Fla.) earned their team's only two hits.

The Sharks were limited to three and four at bats over the first five innings and were only able to draw two walks. The Spartans scored two runs in the sixth inning and stranded two runners in scoring position.

The Sharks were able to cut their lead in half that same inning. Erica Barrabi (So., Sunrise, Fla.) was hit by pitch in the first at bat and was pinch ran by Dani Caron (Sr., Wellington, Fla.). She was moved to third when Luciani reached on an error and Lauren Lopez (Sr., Miami, Fla.) was intentionally walked. Caron then advanced home when Jessica Hernandez (Sr., Miami, Fla.) drew a walk which gave her the Sharks' only RBI.

The Sharks would leave three runners on base in the sixth inning. After the Sharks had two hits in the seventh inning along with a walk from Brittany Phillips (Jr., Seminole, Fla.), they once again left three runners on base. The loss was the team's first at home this season.

Devin Higginbotham (Jr., Palatka, Fla.) earned her first loss of the season by allowing one earned run. She only allowed four hits in 5.1 innings pitched and struck out five batters. She was relieved by Lexi Sarradet (Jr., Miami, Fla.) who did not allow a hit over 1.2 innings pitched.

The Sharks will return to the field this Tuesday, Mar. 16 at home to play a double-header against Ave Maria at 5 pm.