In the last 12 games, the Spartans have faced Lindenwood University four times, winning three. On Wednesday, the Spartans split their home opener double-header with the Lions with a 4-2 win and a 1-0 loss. UT then came away with a 5-2 victory over Lindenwood at the Saint Leo Spring Invitational on Friday.
The Spartans will not face the Lions, who are not in the Sunshine State Conference anymore this season.
“We’re all ready to get on to the next team,” said pitcher Deanna Henriott.
On the second day of the Invitational, UT split a double-header, first losing to St. Mary’s University 1-0 and then beating Armstrong Atlantic State University 1-0.Although Henriott finished the game against St. Mary’s with nine strikeouts, the Spartans were unable to score throughout the game.Against Armstrong, Kayla Cox recorded 10 strikeouts and four walks.
The lone run of the game came in the sixth inning when Meagan Burke singled through the left side driving in pinch-runner Katie Bannon.
Sunday brought yet another split double-header for the Spartans. UT lost 4-1 to Valdosta State University before beating Pittsburg State University 9-0. Henriott threw seven innings while collecting nine strikeouts, but the Valdosta State Blazers, who are ranked No. 6 in the nation, still came out on top.
The Spartans then went on to beat the Pittsburgh State Gorillas later that afternoon. Cox racked up another ten strikeouts in just five innings. The UT offense was equally impressive. In the second inning, a seven-run rally was capped off by a grand slam from Burke.
At 9-3, Tampa now sits third in the SSC, behind Florida Southern and Barry who both boast two-loss records.
The Spartans play next on Feb. 25, at home, against Palm Beach Atlantic.
Analisa Trstensky can be reached at atrstensky@spartans.ut.edu.