CLEARWATER, Fla. — Florida Tech capped off a perfect 2019 NFCA Division II Leadoff Classic with a 3-1 victory over No. 19 Lenoir-Rhyne to claim the Leadoff title. The Panthers concluded the tournament with a 5-0 mark to improve to 7-2 on the year.

The Panthers outscored their opposition 23-5, recording shutouts against West Florida (1-0) and California (Pa.) (8-0). Sunday, Florida Tech broke a scoreless deadlock with two runs in the bottom half of the fifth and added an insurance run in the sixth. The Bears spoiled the shutout, courtesy of Mackensi Swain’s solo homer in the top of the seventh. Tina Velazquez earned the win in relief to improve to 6-1.

Tournament Central

Five teams finished 4-1, with West Florida coming home with the runner-up trophy through the run differential. Joining the Argos were No. 22 Valdosta State, Tampa, No. 3 North Georgia and Harding.

The Argos posted an 8-3 win over No. 8 West Chester to give them three triumphs over nationally-ranked programs. The Spartans scored single runs in the fifth and sixth innings to edge the Blazers, 2-1. The NightHawks defeated California, 6-0 and Harding snuck past Lee, 3-2.

Also taking home wins on the final day of the Classic were No. 18 Palm Beach Atlantic (7-1 over West Georgia), No. 2 Southern Arkansas (13-1 over No. 5 Saint Leo), Eckerd (3-1 over Hillsdale), Indianapolis (7-1 over California) and Wayne State (6-0 over Molloy).

The Sailfish, Muleriders, Tritons, Flames and the Warriors are left the Sunshine State with three victories.

All-Tournament Team

Kat Ung, Azusa Pacific

Brooke Wilson, California (Pa.)

Nikole Van Gennep, Eckerd

Shany Emerenciana, Florida Tech

Briley Feringa, Harding

Natalie Walters, Hillsdale College

Brooke Montgomery, Indianapolis

Zoe Miller, Lee

Erin Boone, Lenoir-Rhyne

Lauren Ramos, Molloy

Kylee Smith, North Georgia

Alexis Guerra, Palm Beach Atlantic

Kendyl Crean, Saint Leo

Victoria Taylor, Southern Arkansas

Makaleigh Dooley, Tampa

Caylee VanAuken, Valdosta State

Megan Guitar, Wayne State

Annamarie Hartman, West Chester University

Teala Howard, West Florida

Madison Chambers, West Georgia

Keep Your Coaching Pitch Perfect.

maxpreps, max preps, nfca partner, nfca cell wade, nfca partner, nfca bownet, nfca partner, nfca

For Those Who Know Even
Days Off Are Days On.

Learn About The Perks And Join NFCA Today.

Benefits Join Today