CLEARWATER, Fla. (Softball) -  The Panthers wrapped up the NCFA Division II Leadoff Classic with a 4-1 record, while ended the final two games with a split on Sunday afternoon at the Eddie C. Moore Complex. Florida Tech recorded it's first loss of the tournament during game one against Texas A&M-Commerce but jumped back during game two with a 6-5 win against Georgia College.

Combined stat leaders for the Crimson and Grey consisted of Vanessa Rubio with an overall offensive performance going 4-for-8 with two RBI's while Hailey Leonard registered two RBI's on three hits. Also, Alexis Smith went 4-for-8 at the plate and posted three RBI's on the day. During game two, in the circle for the Panthers was Rachel Pence, she collected her 6th personal win of the season by pitching a complete game with five strikeouts, two walks, and only seven hits allowed.. Defensively, on the day, FIT recorded 39 put outs for a collective fielding average of .950%.

During game one, the Panthers put themselves on the scoreboard during the top of the third inning with a sacrifice fly by Leonard  to tie the game at one. Forwarded to the top of the forth, FIT raked in another  two runs due to a walk while the bases were loaded and a lined single to the pitcher. The 3-2 lead for the Panthers faded at the bottom of the fifth, after the lions generated six runs to seal the inning. Ultimately, Florida Tech scored one more time at the top of the sixth but fell short of the victory. A&M Commerce closed the game with a 9-4 win to deal FIT it's first loss of the tournament.

In game two, the Panthers offense combined for six runs, 13 hits, two doubles, and one home-run with all scores coming in the bottom of the third, fourth and sixth inning. In efforts to assist Pence, the Panthers defense was credited with 21 put outs and was able to grab the win with a final score of 6-5.  

Next up, the Panthers head home to host The Florida Tech Marriott Brawl at the Beach. The tournament will be held from Feb.17-19 at Nancy Bottge Field in Melbourne Fla. The first pitch is set for Friday morning at 10 a.m. ET. Come support your Panthers and check out the links to live coverage of the action at FloridaTechSports.com/live.