MELBOURNE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern softball team (25-17, 14-8 SSC) was limited offensively while falling to Florida Tech (31-10, 15-7 SSC) on the road, dropping the opener of the three game Sunshine State Conference series.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
FINAL: Florida Tech Panthers
7 (W: M. Murphy, 17-5), Nova Southeastern Sharks
1 (L: M. Schmoll, 13-6)
RECORDS: Florida Tech (31-10, 15-7 SSC), Nova Southeastern (25-17, 14-8 SSC)
LOCATION: Nancy Bottge Field | Melbourne, Fla.
FOLLOW US: @NSUSHARKS and @NSU_Softball on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
HOW IT HAPPENED:
BOTTOM 2ND | The Panthers took an early 1-0 lead over the Sharks Tina Velazquez lifted a leadoff home run to right center on a 1-1 count
BOTTOM 3RD | The Panthers expanded their lead after a throwing error moved a pair of runners up into scoring position. Florida Tech moved ahead 2-0 as Xiarysse Emerenciana brought home Mikayla Wessel on an RBI groundout. Starter
Miriam Schmoll limited the threat, striking out the final batter to strand three Florida Tech runners.
BOTTOM 4TH | Florida Tech grew its lead to 5-0 after Rachel Kraak scored on an error and X. Emerenciana added two more on a double to left center.
BOTTOM 5TH | A delayed double steal got Shanysse Emerenciana across the plate to make it a fourth consecutive FIT scoring inning.
TOP 7TH | The Sharks broke the shutout in the final frame, setting the table with a
Sydney Lageyre leadoff single, followed by a
Kayla Kight walk. The Sharks cashed in the opportunity as
Suka Van Gurp reached base on an error and Lageyre crossed home from second on the play.
INSIDE THE STATS:
- The Sharks were held to four hits in the opener, with a 2-for-2 Van Gurp accounting for half of the offensive effort.
- Schmoll went 1-for-2 and Lageyre went 1-for-3 while scoring the Sharks' run.
- Building the advantage, the Panthers scored in five consecutive innings, but fourth (3 runs) was by far the most consequential.
- The Sharks were 0-for-10 in opportunities with runners in scoring position.
- Despite the loss, the Sharks have won six conference series on the season and have the opportunity to go for seven on Saturday.
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:
UP NEXT
The two teams will conclude the three-game series with a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon and the first pitch scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at Nancy Bottge Field.
SHARKS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Follow along with live updates on Twitter by following @NSU_Softball.