Panthers Can’t Hold Onto Lead Losing 2-1 To SSC Foe Rollins

MELBOURNE, Fla. — Despite out hitting the Tars 9 to 5, Florida Tech (23-11, 10-6) could not hold Rollins College (31-8, 9-4) back giving up two runs in the
sixth and seventh to lose 2-1 in Sunshine State Conference softball action.

Tech’s hurler sophomore Amber West (15-8) gave a superb performance in the circle only to suffer the loss. The Apopka native struck out 11 batters allowing
five hits and only one earned run by the Tars. West also had a solid bat going 2-for-3 for the day.

The Panthers struck early scoring their lone run off a RBI double by senior designated player Megan Hube (Bel Air, Maryland). After that Tech proceeded to
leave 10 runners stranded including the bases loaded in the 2nd and 3rd innings.

In the sixth, the Tars’ junior Amanda DeFilipo (Winter Springs, Fla.) scored the tying run off a passed ball by Tech’s junior catcher Courtney Harless (St.
Cloud, Fla.). Earlier DeFilipo notched a massive hit to left center to start off the inning.

In the seventh, senior Kelly Cruz (Winter Springs, Fla.) plated the winning run after reaching on another double shot to left field. Sophomore Ingrid
Schumacher (Naples, Fla.) was awarded the RBI producing the final double of the game.

For the game, West along with junior Laura Chisena (Ocoee, Fla.) and senior Kelly Darden each added two hits apiece for the Crimson and Gray.

The Panthers and the Tars will meet again tomorrow to conclude the three game SSC series with a doubleheader beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Varsity Field.