MELBOURNE, Fla. – The Panthers finished the two-game sweep against the Wildcats quickly, defeating Wilmington in two-straight five inning run rule games. Tech overpowered Wilmington 9-1 and 12-3 on Thursday night.

GAME ONE:
STATS OF THE GAME:
Final: Florida Tech 9, Wilmington 1 (5 inn.)
Records: Florida Tech (12-3-1, 5-0 SSC) | Wilmington (3-8, 0-0 CACC)
Location: Nancy Bottge Field | Melbourne, Fla.  
 
STATS OF THE GAME:

• Haley Rider doubled over the head of the Wildcats right field, bringing home the first run of the game.
• In the second inning, Wilmington's second batter hit a homerun to tie the game.
• The tie was erased the following inning on three singles from Kate Rodel, Ella Niles and Chloe Fariello.
• Tech extended their advantage by one more in the third with back-to-back doubles from Rider and Malaya Nelson.
• The Panthers exploded in the fourth, recording four runs, started by two consecutive singles. Miranda Schwartz stuck a two RBI single then Emma Chisholm hit Schwartz home the next at bat.
• Nelson's single marked Tech's fifth hit in the inning and scored Chisholm for a 7-3 Panther lead.
• Despite the first two batters getting out for Tech in the fifth, Julianna Hynes doubled in a pinch-hit effort. The after a Schwartz hit-by-pitch. Chisholm smacked a ball to left center for the walk off two RBI double and the 9-1 victory.

GAME TWO:
STATS OF THE GAME:
Final: Florida Tech 12, Wilmington 3
Records: Florida Tech (13-3-1, 5-0 SSC) | Wilmington (3-9, 0-0 CACC)
Location: Nancy Bottge Field | Melbourne, Fla. 
 
STATS OF THE GAME:

• Wilmington struck first in Game Two, crossing home plate three times. The leadoff hitter singled followed by a triple and error for two for two of them.
• Later in the inning, the Wildcats hit a home run for the 3-0 lead.
• However, the Wildcats lead lasted all but a half inning. Tech loaded the bases on a error and two walks before Rider drilled a single up the right side, scoring two.
• The bases were reloaded when Nelson on due to a fielder's choice then Rodel smoked a double down the right field line, helping the Panthers retake the lead, 5-3.
• Following two Panther outs, Niles singled for one last run and the 6-3 edge.
• Ava McCormick took the reins in the circle and proceeded to strikeout the side in the top of the second.
• Three singles from Schwartz, Rider and Rodel who brought home another run as the Panthers increased their advantage to four runs.
• McCormick walked a batter but struck out the next two, shutting down the Wildcats in the third.
• Mia Terito blasted her first home run as a Panther, leading off the bottom of the third.
• In the fourth, Wilmington walked and stole base to put a runner in scoring position. Niles ended the threat turning a double into an out at home plate.
• Four hits, including a Schwartz double, guided Tech to a four run inning and three outs away from the win.
• McCormick tallied two more punchouts and a groundout sealing another run-rule triumph with a 12-3 score.

NOTABLE PANTHERS:

• Kate Rodel registered four hits, helped by a perfect 3-for-3 Game Two performance which also included four RBI.
• Haley Rider went 4-for-6 with two doubles and three RBI. She had two hits in each game.
• Ava McCormick earned her second win after pitching four innings and striking out a career-high eight batters.
• Mia Terito recorded three hits, including her first Panther home run.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:

• Tech improved to 12-2 all-time versus Wilmington.
• It is the fifth sweep in seven doubleheaders against the Wildcats.
• Panthers are 31-7 all-time against teams from the CACC
• Tech is 215-123-1 against non-SSC opponents under Val Silvestrini  

UP NEXT: Tech is right back in action Friday, playing two games in Viera at the USSSA Softball Complex against Goldey-Beacom and Findlay. The first game against Goldey-Beacom is at 4:45 p.m. ET.

For the latest news, updates and information on the Florida Tech Softball, 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.