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.
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
