TAMPA, Fla. -- Freshman Hannah Weaver earned her first win as a Golden Eagle as Tech (8-8) defeated Maine 4-1 in the first part of a twin bill at the USF Under Armour Showcase. The newcomer had pitched a total of 3.2 innings prior to her first complete game, with an ERA of 9.82, but held the America East opponent to just one run in seven innings.
Weaver (1-1) pitched a great game, giving up one unearned run in the third inning, and finishing the game with eight hits, giving up two hits in just one frame and never facing more than four batters in one inning. The Golden Eagle defense rallied behind its freshman, collecting 21 putouts, with short stop Hannah Eldridge collecting a career high five assists.
The Tech bats connected with eight balls to score four runs, two unearned off of two Black Bear errors. Senior Chanelle Spalding knocked an extra base shot in the sixth; marking her first double of the season, after finishing the 2012 campaign second on the team with seven doubles.
Maine was the first to light up the scoreboard, when Stephanie Wood scored from second base on a Tech fielding error. The Golden Eagles responded immediately as Tech's leadoff hitters, Melody Christian and Eldridge placed singles to put two batters in scoring position. Madison Taylor sent Christian home at the plate, followed by Eldridge when Taylor was caught stealing second.
Tech scored its third run in the fourth, thanks to another single by Christian up the third base line to send Brittney Spalding home. Tech's final and winning run came in style in the bottom of the fourth inning. Spalding's double sent her to second before freshman Cortney Fry provided Spalding with the perfect opportunity to score.
Christian went 3-for-3 at the plate, while Chanelle Spalding had a team high 11 putouts. Eaver struck out one batter, facing 29 batters.
The Golden Eagles slipped against Fordham, as sophomore Taylor Ketchum (5-2) took the loss. Ketchum threw 34 strikes in 55 pitches, but the Rams connected with five balls, including one home run, two doubles and a single before Claudia Harke inherited the circle. Harke threw a tough five innings, giving up two runs, but the Golden Eagle offense never made it past third.
Junior Kendall Hooper went 2-for-4, while five other batters collected a hit.
Tech returns to the dirt Saturday at 3:45 p.m. against Long Island University Brooklyn before a night cap against Temple at 6 p.m.
