Florida Tech softball claimed its first Karman Clash rivalry series with a 4-3 walk-off victory over Embry-Riddle in the second game of a doubleheader on April 12, 2026, at Nancy Bottge Field in Melbourne. The Panthers split the two-game series, dropping the opener 3-1 before rallying for the dramatic win in the finale. Emma Chisholm, who tied for the second-most home runs in Sunshine State Conference history, was among the standout performers.
The first game saw Embry-Riddle take an early lead, scoring three unearned runs in the top of the first inning. Florida Tech’s Sammy Murphy pitched strongly in the loss, but the Eagles held a 3-0 advantage after one. The Panthers’ defense kept the deficit manageable, with Kate Rodel throwing out a runner attempting to steal third in the second inning to end a threat.
Florida Tech’s comeback began in the bottom of the third. Chloe Fariello tripled to drive in a run, and Miranda Schwartz followed with a bases-loaded single to cut the deficit to 3-2. The Panthers continued to pressure Embry-Riddle, loading the bases in the fifth inning before a groundout ended the frame.
In the decisive finale, Florida Tech’s offense exploded in the bottom of the seventh. A two-out walk to Chisholm set the stage for the walk-off win, as the Panthers’ cleanup hitter drove in the game-winning run. Murphy, who threw a complete game in the second contest, said the team’s focus on clutch hitting was key. 'We knew we had to keep grinding,' she said. The victory marks a historic milestone for Florida Tech in its rivalry with Embry-Riddle.