Sports Lowdown

Rachel Pence - Photo credit: James Ragan Photography After a dominant 13-3 win in game one, The Florida Tech Panthers completed a doubleheader sweep of Eckerd on Friday, with a 5-1 victory in game two. Florida Tech ace Rachel Pence went the distance in her final home start for Florida Tech, striking out seven batters, allowing two hits and walking only one. It was an emotional day for Pence, who, along with six of her teammates, was honored as part of Senior Day, just before the second game got underway. “I was concerned with how our seniors were going to do right after the senior ceremony,” said Florida Tech coach Val Silvestrini. “They get emotional and we don’t have a lot of time to get ready for the game, but they did a great job.” The only run Pence allowed was unearned, in the first inning. Crystal Garcia hit an infield single to start the game and two batters later, Nikole Van Gennep hit one to Hailey Leonard at first. The hit off her glove and she reco...

After beating Nova Southeastern in the morning game on Saturday, the Florida Tech softball team picked up their second victory of the day in the afternoon, a 7-3 victory over Palm Beach Atlantic in the Florida Tech Marriott First Pitch Classic. Rachel Pence , who pitched a three-hit shutout against Nova, was back on the mound for game two. Things didn’t start well in the second game, with the Sailfish jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first. Kayla Knight drew a walk to start the game and Claudia Pizzarelli singled. Both runners advanced on a passed ball and came home on a single by Magnolia West. Florida Tech (2-2) came right back in the bottom of the inning against PBA pitcher Nikki Brinegar. She walked Krista Patterson and Sarah Hayes to start the game and Hailey Leonard , who hit a grand slam Friday, continued her hot hitting with an RBI single up the middle. She later scored the tying run on a Makayla Palmer ground out. Palm Beach Atlantic (0-3) came...