By Thomas Corhern, TTU Athletics Media Relations

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Tennessee Tech softball team closed out the pre-conference slate on Sunday with the final day of the UNF-JU Classic as the Golden Eagles were able to stall North Florida early, but the Ospreys struck in the middle innings to take a 7-1 victory.

The Golden Eagles (2-14) picked up their lone run in the top of the seventh to avoid the shutout as Ella Bishop's single to right center – coupled with a throwing error at second – allowed Skylar Gooden to come home to score the unearned run.

Lainey Fitzgerald started off strong, holding UNF quiet in the first two frames, but the Ospreys put a pair of runs on the board with a two-run single up the middle. Fitzgerald ended the day with 2 2/3 innings of work, allowing two runs on one hit with five walks and a strikeout.

Tech had to use three pitchers in the fourth inning as UNF (19-5) struck for four runs in the fourth, sending Hannah Lange, Ella Wampler and Faith Rush into the circle. The Ospreys scored on a solo home run, a bunt single with a throwing error and a two-run single to right.

UNF scored its final run in the sixth inning with a bases-loaded walk.

Lange went two-thirds, allowing one run on one hit. Wampler went a third with three runs on two hits with two walks. Rush threw 1 2/3 innings, allowing one run on three hits with two walks. Addison Abell closed the game, going the final two-thirds with a clean sheet to her credit.

The Golden Eagles collected two hits in the contest with Bishop's single and a triple for Olivia Evans.

Tech returns to action on Saturday as it opens both the home slate at Tech Softball Field and Ohio Valley Conference play, hosting SIUE for a three-game series. Admission to all games at Tech Softball Field is free to the public.

Photo | Jacksonville Athletics