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Nelson leads Florida Tech Over Barry

Donny Rieber Jr | Sports Lowdown Cheyenne Nelson was 4-for-4 in Sunday’s win over Barry

Following a loss Sunday morning to Angelo State, the Florida Tech Panthers bounced back in a big way later in the afternoon with a 9-2 victory over the visiting Barry Buccaneers, closing out the Florida Tech Softball Classic. 

Barry cracked the scoreboard first with an RBI single by Arianna Diaz. That lead disappeared in a hurry, as the Panthers scored three in the bottom of the frame. 

Cheyenne Nelson had a big day at the plate, going 4-for-4 with three singles, a triple, two runs scored and two RBIs. She got things started for the Panthers in the second inning with a single and advanced to third on an error. Tina Velazquez, who had a big day in her own right, doubled Nelson home, giving the Panthers a 1-0 lead. An RBI single off the bat of Ally Carver made it 2-0 and erro allowed Vanessa Rubio to score the third run. 

The Panthers (2-2) would add one more in the second inning when Xiarysse Emerenciana was hit by a pitch and was sent plate ward on Nelson’s triple, making it 4-1. 

Barry, who beat Angelo State prior to the Florida Tech game got a run back in the fourth when Ayana Andrade-Zygmunt knocked in Taylor Checkley, cutting the Panthers lead to 5-2. 

Jordan Lawlis (2-0) got the start for Florida Tech in the circle, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits. She walked one and did not strike out a batter. She threw 66 pitches, 41 for strikes. 

The Panthers picked up an insurance run in the fifth when Velazquez reached on an error, allowing Nelson to score. The Crimson and Grey would put this one away in the bottom of the sixth, scoring four runs. 

With two outs, Xiarysse Emerenciana singled and stole second. Nelson would come through again with an RBI single, pushing the lead to 6-2. Velazquez would then go deep, scoring Nelson ahead of her and giving the Panthers a commanding 8-2 lead. Florida Tech’s final run came when Ally Carver stole second, drawing a throw. The throw allowed Peyton Anders enough time to score the Panthers ninth run of the day. 

Velazquez pitched the final three innings of the day for the Panthers and picked up her first save of the season. She allowed just two hits and struck out five, throwing 53 pitches, 37 for strikes.

For More info: Barry @ Florida Tech Box Score 

The Panthers will make their first road trip of the season on Friday, heading to Clearwater to take part in the NFCA Division II Leadoff Classic. They will play Lee at 12:00 p.m. and West Florida at 4:30 p.m.