FLORENCE – Florida Tech's two-run homerun in the top of the second inning proved to be enough as the University of North Alabama softball team dropped its NCAA South 2 Regional opener 2-1 Friday at home. The loss sends the Lions to the loser's bracket to face Tampa Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in an elimination game.UNA (35-13) held a 7-4 advantage in hits, but stranded eight base runners. The Lions left runners in scoring position in the bottom of the sixth and seventh innings, including a bases-loaded, no-outs situation in the sixth.
After UNA scored on an error to cut the FIT deficit to 2-1, Libby Olinger was intentionally walked to load the bases. Madeline Lee then connected on a fly ball to left field to apparently score Bailey Nelson from third base. Nelson, however, left early, allowing the Panthers to get the second out of the frame. Harlie Barkley then struck out looking to end the inning.
Amy Carden led off the bottom of the seventh with a single and reached second on a sacrifice bunt by Courtney Shields. Florida Tech reliever Rachel Pence then recorded two straight outs to end the game.
Florida Tech (36-17) got all the offense it would need in the top of the second inning on Jessica Callahan's two-run homer. The two-out shot came on an 0-2 count and cleared the left field fence.
Bree Blevins was stuck with the pitching loss after allowing just four hits over seven innings. She struck out six and walked two on the day to fall to 14-7 on the season. At the plate, Carden was 2-for-3 with a pair of singles. Reagan Tittle added two hits for the Lions.
Pence got the win for FIT after pitching the final five innings. She allowed an unearned run on three hits with three strikeouts.
