Panthers Get Back on Track with Win Over Moccasins

Katie Maiello - Photo credit: James Ragan Photography

Makayla Palmer knocked in two runs and Katie Maiello had three of the five Florida Tech hits Friday night, leading their team to a 3-1 victory over Florida Southern in a Sunshine State Conference softball clash.

Florida Tech (22-21, 7-9 SSC) struck first in the top of the third. Hailey Leonard was hit by a pitch for the third time in the last two days. Maiello singled and went to second on the throw that Leonard drew at third base. After Florida Southern starter Brandi Jones (2-10) hit Alexus Smith to load the bases, she walked Krista Patterson one out later, giving the Panthers a 1-0 lead.

The Mocs (13-20, 4-12 SSC) tied things up in the bottom of the inning, against Florida Tech starter Rachel Pence. After striking out the first two batters, Pence gave up a single to Desirae Klumpp. She would eventually score on a passed ball.

Leonard would start the fifth the same way she started the third, taking one for the team. She would steal second, before moving to third on a fielder’s choice by Maiello, who was safe at first on the play. She stole second and one out later, Palmer ripped a double to right. She was thrown out trying to stretch it to a triple, but both runners scored ahead of her and the Panthers led 3-1.

That was more than enough for Pence, who shut down the home team, stranding a runner at third in the fifth and at second in the sixth, before retiring the side in order in the seventh.

Pence (15-14) struck out nine and walked one in the complete game. She struck out nine and walked one, while allowing just four hits. She threw 111 pitches, including 78 strikes.

For more info: Florida Tech @ Florida Southern Box Score

Florida Tech will look for the series sweep on Saturday. Game one of the doubleheader is slated to start at 1:00 p.m.

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