MELBOURNE, Fla. (Softball) - The Panthers (19-18, SSC 4-6) fell short to the Nova Southeastern (20-17, SSC 8-5), 2-0 in Game 1 of the SSC series.

In the circle, Rachel Pence (12-11) struck-out nine in seven complete innings, while allowing only one run on eight hits. Pence currently counts 30 strikeouts on 51.1 innings pitched, holding her opponents to a .260 batting average.                             .

The Crimson and Gray's defense limited the NSU margin to only two runs, as FIT recorded 21 total put outs. Krista Patterson was the author of the only Panthers hit. 

The Sharks drew first blood in the top of the first as they generated a solo home run and RBI single to put the only two points on the board. The Panthers took the home half to fight back, but after Hailey Leonard walked, the FIT first baseman was caught stealing and Florida Tech closed the inning scoreless.

The remainder of the game went blank for both dug outs, although the Panthers seemed up to close the gap during two other frames.

In the bottom of the fourth with two outs, Patterson flared a single to the left field, putting the Crimson and Gray on base. However, the West Coast shortstop was left hanging on base to close the inning.

In the sixth offensive half, FIT grasped base again with Kaitlin Buchholz, when she reached first on an error by the NSU third baseman. With a potential run on third, the Florida Tech lineup could not push its runner home, and FIT entered the seventh with a still score.

Given great efforts, the Panthers could not snatch any runs, as the Sharks took Game 1 of the weekend series.

Florida Tech will be back in action tomorrow afternoon to close out the weekend series with a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m., fans can access more info and live coverage at FloridaTechSports.com/live!