MELBOURNE, Fla. -- The University of Tampa shot 69 percent from the field for the game to pull away for a 75-55 victory over the Pittsburg State University women's basketball team in day one action of the Florida Tech University Holiday Classic Thursday (Dec. 19).

UT made 33 of 48 shots from the floor in the game against Pitt State (4-4). The Spartans led 23-22 after the first quarter and steadily pulled away. UT took a 42-34 lead at the break before stretching its margin to 59-47 after three quarters of play.

Athena Alvarado scored a game high 25 points to pace the Gorillas, making 12 of 19 shots from the field. She added a team-leading seven rebounds. Kaylee DaMitz (11) and Tristan Gegg (11) also scored in double figures for Pitt State.

Melijah Sullivan led three UT scorers in double figures with 22 points.

The Gorillas will wrap up action in the Florida Tech Holiday Classic with an 11 a.m. (CST) match-up against the host school Friday (Dec. 20).