FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern Softball team dropped two games on Saturday afternoon, losing to Sunshine State Conference opponent Tampa. The Sharks dropped game one 6-8, despite a three-RBI performance from Alexis Smith, and fell in game two 0-3.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP: (GAME ONE)
Score: Nova Southeastern 6 (L: A. Drogemuller, 11-3) | Tampa 8 (W: G. McGinnis, 5-0)
Records: Nova Southeastern (24-8, 8-3 SSC) | Tampa (22-2, 10-1 SSC)
Location: AD Griffin Sports Complex | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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HOW IT HAPPENED
TOP 1st | The Spartans jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the opening inning of the game.
BOT 1st | Alexis Smith led off the inning with a bunt single and was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from Alyssa Drogemuller. After being advanced to third, a single through the right side from Madison Fine drove in Smith to make the score 1-5.
BOT 2nd | Hayley Lynch and Alexi Watkins worked back-to-back walks to open the bottom of the second. A clutch three-run homerun from Smith made the score 4-5 and forced a pitching change for Tampa. Drogemuller and Shaw would reach base, and a single from Fine drove in Drogemuller and tied the game 5-5. The Sharks stayed hot and took the lead on an RBI-single from Samantha Burke.
TOP 3rd | The Spartans tied the game after their leadoff hitter reached on a double and was drove in shortly after.
TOP 4th | In a repeat of last inning, Tampa opened the inning with a double. Tampa took a 6-7 lead after an error.
TOP 6th | A solo homerun extended Tampa's lead to 6-8.
BOT 7th | The Sharks fought hard but were unable to tack on another run, losing game one 6-8.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP: (GAME TWO)
Score: Nova Southeastern (L: J. Allen, 6-3) | Tampa (W, K. DeSimone, 3-0)
Records: Nova Southeastern (24-9, 8-4 SSC) | Tampa (23-2, 11-1 SSC)
HOW IT HAPPENED
TOP 3rd | Tampa opened up a 1-0 lead.
TOP 5th | A two-run double extended the Spartans' lead to 3-0.
BOT 7th | Despite a valiant efffort, the Sharks failed to pick up any runs and would lose the second game of the doubleheader 0-3.
UPCOMING
The Sharks will head on the road, March 31, to take on SSC opponent Saint Leo in Saint Leo, Fla. First-pitch is set for 6 p.m.