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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Athletics

Johnson_Running_042722_CSE_8063
Christopher Elwell
2
Embry-Riddle (Fla.) ERAUSB 28-17
3
Winner Tampa UT 36-11
Embry-Riddle (Fla.) ERAUSB
28-17
2
Final
3
Tampa UT
36-11
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Embry-Riddle (Fla.) ERAUSB 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 7 5
Tampa UT 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 3 3 0

W: M. Galhouse (15-7) L: Collins, Kelsi (20-9)

Game Recap: Softball | | Kyrin Mayfield | @k_mayfield97

Softball Nearly Upsets No. 6 Tampa in NCAA II South 2 Regional; Faces Rollins on Friday

Tournament Central
TAMPA, Fla. – Postseason play began on Thursday afternoon when the seventh-seeded Embry-Riddle softball team (28-17) faced No. 2 seed and sixth-ranked Tampa (36-11) in the opening game of the NCAA II South 2 Regional. Despite jumping out to a 2-0 lead after the third inning, defensive miscues surrendered the advantage and led to a 3-2 walk-off win for the opposition.

Starting pitcher Kelsi Collins (20-9) pitched a gem, picking up no earned runs on three hits over six innings of pitching along with five strikeouts. She had strong command to start, using deception and speed to cause four swinging strikeouts in the first two frames. 

On offense, the Eagles put a runner in scoring position in each of the first three innings. In the third, ReAnne Drayton used a one-out double to get things going. Maggie Scott followed with a bouncing ground ball to the shortstop that gave Drayton enough time to race home for the first run. Once on first, the senior screamed in excitement toward Embry-Riddle's dugout as the Eagle faithful cheered loudly from the stands. Two batters later, Lauren Latoria sent a pitch to the outfield to bring Scott in to score a second run for Embry-Riddle.

While Collins continued to pitch well, the defense struggled in the fifth inning as the first two Spartans got on base from errors. A fielder's choice and single then tied the game at 2-2.

Neither squad was able to put a runner on the basepaths for another inning and a half until Tampa began the bottom of the seventh with a single. The next batter grounded a ball to third, but the throw to first went wide left and out into right field, allowing the baserunner to score. 

Drayton was unstoppable at the dish, going 3-for-3 with a run. Scott also was very productive with two hits in three at-bats and an RBI.

The Eagles are still alive thanks to the double elimination format. Embry-Riddle's next contest comes Friday, May 13 at 3 p.m. against Rollins at Naimoli Family Softball Field. Should the Eagles beat the Tars, they would play the loser of Tampa versus Valdosta State later in the day at 6 p.m.
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