MELBOURNE, Fla. – Rollins softball dropped the series opener to Florida Tech on Thursday night, falling 4-1 following a weather delay.

Both teams worked quickly through the lineup early, keeping the game scoreless through the first two and a half innings. Florida Tech broke through first with a solo home run to take a 1-0 lead.

Brianna Perantoni recorded the first hit of the day for the Tars with a single to center, but Rollins was unable to capitalize, keeping it a one-run game. The Tars continued to create opportunities, with Brooke Theisen drawing a walk in the fourth, though Rollins again came up empty.

Gabriella Barrera provided a spark in the sixth, entering as a pinch hitter and singling through the right side. Perantoni moved her into scoring position with a bunt, and Barrera advanced to third after Daylin Hejtmanek reached on an error, but the Panthers held to maintain the lead.

Florida Tech extended its advantage in the bottom of the sixth, stringing together four hits to score three runs and push the lead to 4-0.

Rollins made one final push in the seventh. Cambrie Todd drew a leadoff walk and moved into scoring position before Jenna Borkey singled to left to put two runners aboard. Lucy McLogan entered as a pinch runner and came around to score on the play, giving the Tars their lone run of the game. The rally ended there, however, as Florida Tech secured the 4-1 win.

Rollins falls to 20-11 overall and 8-8 in SSC play, while Florida Tech improves to 25-9-1 (11-4 SSC). The Tars return to action Friday, April 3, to conclude the series with a 2 p.m. / 4 p.m. doubleheader in Melbourne.