WINTER PARK, Fla. (Softball) - Florida Tech (17-17) motored past Rollins (22-14) on Friday night at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. With the win, the Panthers increase their SSC record to 2-5.

The Crimson and Gray recorded six hits on the day, two of which were extra base. Seniors Hailey Leonard and Krista Patterson produced two of the six total hits for FIT, while Julianna Goldberg and Vanessa Rubio batted in one runner apiece.

In the circle, Rachel Pence (11-10) struck-out six to earn her 11^th seasonal win. The Jacksonville pitcher tamed the Tars bats in the seven full innings pitched, allotting solely one run upon five hits.

The Panthers had no mercy for Rollins, as they drew first blood in the opening FIT offensive half. Alexus Smith led the Florida Tech line up, receiving a free base. Leonard then stepped at bat and flared a single to center field that pushed Smith to third.

Thanks to a fielder's choice, Smith was able to cross home plate and snatch the first run for FIT. Leonard followed up, scoring on a throw to second in an attempt to catch Rubio stealing.

The next three innings went scoreless for both dugouts, as Pence blanked the Rollins offense with only two hits allotted in four innings. In the top of the fifth, the Panthers clawed one more run, as FIT distended its lead, 3-0. With Palmer and Rachel Kraak on base, designated-player Goldberg blasted a double to the left center, driving the Aussie runner home.

Eventually, the Tars closed the gap picking up one run in the bottom of the sixth. In the very last at bat for Rollins, Pence quickly closed the doors and prevented RC from any further scoring chances. The Crimson and Gray clinched their second consecutive win, 3-1.

Florida Tech will face the Tars tomorrow, Mar. 25 in the series doubleheader. Game time is set for 1 p.m. ET; fans can access more info and live coverage at FloridaTechSports.com/live
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