SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo softball team (10-10, 2-2 SSC) fell to the Lynn University Fighting Knights (15-6, 1-0 SSC) 6-3, Friday evening from University Field in Sunshine State Conference action.
In total, the team collected six hits, three of which were by Elysha Agen. Agen was also responsible for one RBI and a run scored. Catcher Brittany Yates contributed with her team-leading eighth home run. Amber Martyn and Dianne Gonzalez also picked base hits, while Ana Castillo drove home one of the Lions' three runs.
After a scoreless first inning, the Lions gave up a four spot to the Fighting Knights in the top of the second. Five hits and two Lions’ errors plated the runs for Lynn, including three infield hits. The Lions cut into the lead in the fourth on Yates’ 21st career home run to make the score 4-1.
Saint Leo couldn’t keep the Lynn bats silent however, as the Fighting Knights quickly returned the favor with a run on three hits in the top of the fifth to make to score 5-1.
Gonzalez momentarily started a two-run rally for the Lions, as her leadoff single was followed by an RBI double from Agen. Next, Castillo’s groundout to second base allowed an opportunistic Agen to score from third base.
Despite cutting the lead to two at 5-3, the Fighting Knights all but sealed the game in the top of the sixth when Kaitleen Smith knocked in the sixth and final run for Lynn.
Despite the lead cut to two at 5-3, the Fighting Knights all but sealed the game in the top of the sixth when Kaitleen Smith knocked in the sixth and final run for Lynn.
The Lions went down in order in the sixth, and aside from an Agen single, went down quietly in the seventh.
The Lions stranded five runners on base and committed five errors in the field. The loss also snapped a 12-game winning streak against the Fighting Knights.
In the circle, Ashton Whidden picked up the loss for SLU, dropping to 7-4 on the season. In the complete game, Whidden allowed 13 hits but only allowed two earned runs and struck out six batters.
The Lions return to the field on Saturday, March 6 to conclude their SSC series with Lynn University. The doubleheader is scheduled to get underway at 1:00 p.m.
