MELBOURNE, Fla. – The Panthers' defense and Alex Hendrian made multiple stellar plays in a tight 2-1 victory over Eckerd, including an impressive game-ending double-play in the top of the seventh. Tech committed zero errors and left six Eckerd runners on base.

STATS OF THE GAME:
Final: Florida Tech 2, Eckerd 1
Records: Florida Tech (26-17, 12-10 SSC) | Eckerd (25-14, 11-8 SSC)
Location: Nancy Bottge Field | Melbourne, Fla.

STATS OF THE GAME:

• Despite giving up two hits to begin the game, Hendrian locked in and produced three consecutive popouts, keeping Eckerd off the scoreboard.
• Chloe Fariello recorded the Panthers' first hit in the following half inning but was caught stealing second.
• Hendrian kept her momentum in the second inning with a 1-2-3 inning.
• However, the Tritons pushed back, hitting a solo shot to right field with two outs for the 1-0 edge.
• Looking to respond quickly, Dani Sigal's great night started by singling to right field. After Sigal, Malaya Nelson singled, but the next two batters got out.
• Both teams did not have a runner on base in the fourth. Hendrian allowed one hit and a walk from the fourth to the sixth inning.
• The pitcher and defense's performance gave the Panthers' offense an opportunity in the fifth inning. Sigal singled again with a runner on base before a fielder's choice moved the head runner to third.
• Nelson took off for second on the pitch, forcing the Eckerd catcher to throw towards the base, opening a chance for the Tech's runner to steal home and tie the game at 1-1.
• In the sixth inning, Celeste Casillas smacked a leadoff double into the right game and then stole third. Miranda Schwartz brought home the winning run via sacrifice fly.
• Having three outs and one last chance, Eckerd loaded the bases with one out. The Tritons' L Difato thought she had a base hit before Fariello slid and made a miraculous catch in left field, immediately throwing it to third base for the game-sealing double play.

NOTABLE PANTHERS:

• Dani Sigal went 2-for-2 for her first multi-hit game of the season.
• Alex Hendrian pitched a complete game while letting up just one run on six hits.
• The top three batters in the lineup each recorded one hit. Miranda Schwartz brought in a run.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:

• Tech moved to 92-36 all-time against Eckerd and 41-13 at home since 1991.
• Since the start of the 2015 season, the Panthers have gone 20-8 against the Tritons, winning seven of nine series.

UP NEXT: The Panthers will face Eckerd again in a doubleheader on Saturday, April 12. The first game will start at noon.

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