MELBOURNE, Fla. – After suffering their first loss in 15 games Friday, March 1, Florida Tech was determined to get back to its winning ways. The team split on the day as they won game one, 2-1, but fell in game two, 1-0. This, unfortunately, meant the Panthers dropped the series to Saint Leo.
 
Tina Velazquez Rolon started on the mound for game one of the doubleheader. Tina grabbed her sixth win of the season in a complete game effort. The Puerto Rico native had a great day on the mound as she surrendered only one run, none earned, and three hits with seven strikeouts.
 
The Lions started off the game with a bang as they scored their only run of the night in the top of the first.
 
Florida Tech would not respond till the bottom of the third inning when as both Shanysse Emerenciana and Xiarysse Emerenciana scored off a Velazquez Rolon single.
 
This 2-1 score would hold as the Panthers grabbed the win in game one of the doubleheader.
 
Melanie Murphy was the starter for the final game of the thrilling three-game series. The Melbourne native went 6.1 innings during which she only gave up one run on five hits and struck out seven. Velazquez Rolon came into to finish the game for the Panthers.
 
The second game was the definition of a pitcher's duel as neither team managed to score till the top of the seventh as a Saint Leo double drove home a run to make it 1-0. This would be the only run of the afternoon as the Crimson and Gray did not manage to score in the bottom half of the inning.
 
Tech will take the field again Tuesday, March 4, when the team invites Wilmington (Del.) to Nancy Bottge field for a weekday doubleheader. First pitch for this spring break showdown is set for 1 p.m. ET.
 
For the latest news, updates and information on the Florida Tech softball team, visit FloridaTechSports.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Panthers news by following Florida Tech Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.