March 25 gave NSU a thrilling doubleheader against the nearly undefeated University of Tampa. The game started off a bit rough for the Sharks on home turf, giving up two walking RBIs while UT had the bases loaded, as well as a two RBI double and an RBI single at the top of the first inning, making the score 5-0. The Sharks were quick to respond though. Madison Fine, catcher on the team, singled the ball to right field and brought Alexis Smith, infielder, home for a 5-1 score.
The Sharks continued the momentum into the second inning by locking down UT and allowing for an explosive bottom of the inning for NSU. Smith smacked the ball out of the park, bringing herself and two others home with her. Alexi Watkins, infielder, and Hayley Lynch, outfielder, scored off the homer, making the score 5-5.
Fine followed with another single RBI to bring Alyssa Drogemuller, left handed pitcher, home. Samantha Burke, infielder, finished off the scoring with a single RBI out to center field, allowing Kerstyn Shaw, catcher, to score the sixth unanswered run. UT answered in top of the third with a single run by error to tie the game at 6. They would take the lead in the next inning with another error leading to an RBI for a 7-6 lead.
In the bottom of the fourth, it was a real pressure cooker, and with bases loaded, NSU had its best opportunity to put the game out of reach. UT subbed in a fresh pitcher as the home dugout cheered on their team pitch after pitch. NSU was not able to get solid contact on the ball to bring runners home and the inning would end, leaving three Sharks on base. A UT player homered in the 6th to put them up 8-6, which was the final score. NSU ended with one more hit than UT, as well as three more errors. The Sharks’ next home game will be April 6 at 6 p.m. against Embry Riddle University.
