TAMPA, Fla. – A two-run home half of the first inning provided the only runs necessary for #15 Tampa to take a 2-1 nonconference victory from the UNCP softball team in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader at Leslie Kanter Field in Tampa, Fla.

The Spartans (18-2) got their second strong pitching performance in as many games after Kari Walsh allowed just one UNCP run on two hits in going the distance for her sixth victory of the season.

UNCP (12-10, 2-2 PBC) hurler Starr Gilley suffered the loss to fall to 4-3 on the year after allowing four hits and two runs (both unearned) in six innings of work.

Two errors by the Lady Braves' defense allowed the nationally-ranked Spartans to open up the game with a 2-0 lead, but UNCP would cut the lead in the top of the second after a single by sophomore Hillary Jones brought around fellow sophomore Holly Berry around from second.

The Lady Braves would only be able to record one hit the rest of the way in falling to the hosts by the 2-1 final score.

Jones led the offense with a 1-for-2 effort including the RBI-single in the second inning.

Freshman Schanique Barrett recorded the other UNCP hit on a single to left field.

The Lady Braves will finish off the road trip with a matchup against Nova Southeastern tomorrow at Leslie Kanter Field in Tampa.