The Spartans softball team started off its season strongly with a 2-1 weekend record at the USF/Wilson Tournament held in Tampa, Fla., on the South Florida campus.

MSU split on Sunday. After downing South Florida, 10-5, the Spartans fell, 3-2, to Florida in eight innings.

On Saturday, the Spartans defeated Jacksonville, 4-3.

Senior pitcher Jessica Beech picked up both wins for No. 24 MSU, tossing 13.1 innings on Sunday, fanning 11 while scattering 14 hits. Beech also went 4-for-7 at the plate with three RBIs, two walks and a home run.

Senior first-baseman Natalie Furrow went 2-for-3 at the plate on Saturday to lead the MSU offense.