Panthers Strike Early in Win Over Rollins

Rachel Pence - Photo credit: James Ragan Photography

The Florida Tech softball team got a much-needed conference win on the road Friday night, beating Rollins College, 3-1. Rachel Pence pitched a complete game, helping the Panthers improve to 17-17 overall and 2-5 in the Sunshine State Conference.

Pence allowed one run on five hits, picking up her 11th win of the season. She struck out six and walked three. The Panthers offense spread out six hits, by six different players.

Florida Tech took advantage of the early struggles of Rollins pitcher Sarah Piening. Alexus Smith drew a walk to leadoff the game and went to second on a wild pitch. Hailey Leonard singled, putting runners at the corners. After Leonard stole second and Krista Patterson flew out, Vanessa Rubio’s fielder’s choice plated the Panthers first run.

The Panthers got their second run when Makayla Palmer struck out and Rollins catcher Abigail Sexton threw to second, trying to get Rubio stealing. The throw was late and Leonard raced home on the throw, giving the Panthers a 2-0 lead.

Pence (11-10) overcame a single and an error in the bottom of the second and another error in the third, keeping Rollins off the board.

Florida Tech added an insurance run in the fifth, on an RBI double by Julianna Goldberg. Pence continued to work in and out of minimal trouble, throughout the game, until the bottom of the sixth, when Rollins dented the scoreboard.

Back-to-back errors by Patterson at short and Rubio in right field, put runners at first and third. A sac fly by Sexton, made it a 3-1 game. One out later, Pence issued a walk, but got out of the inning before the Tars did any further damage.

Rollins (22-14, 5-5 SSC) did not go quietly. Back-to-back singles by Sarah Harrison and Chandler Middlebrook started the bottom of the seventh. A fielder’s choice and a stolen base put runners at second and third, with one out. Pence then intentionally walked Brianne Lint to load the bases and buckled down from there, striking out Rachel Minier and getting Sexton to foul out on the ninth pitch of her at bat, ending the game.

For more info: Florida Tech @ Rollins Box Score

The series wraps up on Saturday, with a doubleheader starting at 1:00 p.m.



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