DAVIE, Fla.—The sixth-ranked Barry Buccaneers got another series-opening shutout from Brianna Smith as they knocked off the Nova Southeastern Sharks 1-0 in Sunshine State Conference softball action at AD Griffin Sports Complex Friday night.
The Bucs (26-5, 9-1 SSC) got the only run they would need in the first inning. They loaded the bases with three straight singles by Sara Broeseker, Grace Collins and Alyssa Goldsmith and Jessica Tabor drove in the run with a sacrifice fly.
From there, Smith (14-3) made the run stand up, allowing just two hits, both singles by Chelsea Emery, and striking out four. For Smith, it was her fifth shutout in six SSC starts, including the opener of four straight series. It was also her eighth shutout of the season, tying her for the national lead.
Sara DeMuth (14-12) took the loss for the Sharks, despite striking out 10. She allowed just two hits after the first inning and did not walk a batter. DeMuth, along with Tampa’s Deanna Henriott and Kayla Cox, are also tied with Smith with eight shutouts, giving the SSC four of the top five pitchers in the country.
The series concludes on Saturday at 5:00 pm with a doubleheader.
Barry 1, Nova Southeastern 0 (03/23/12 at Davie, FL)
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Barry............................. 100 000 0 - 1 5 2 (26-5, 9-1 SSC)
Nova Southeastern... 000 000 0 - 0 2 0 (20-16, 5-5 SSC)
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Pitchers: Barry - Brianna Smith and Kayla Monroy. Nova Southeastern - Sara DeMuth and Gina Bondarenko.
Win-Brianna Smith(14-3) Loss-Sara DeMuth(14-12) T-1:42 A-200
Weather: copacetic