ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The Saint Leo softball team (0-2) opened its 2011 season with a pair of narrow defeats to south region foe Flagler College, Saturday afternoon from Saints Field at the Flagler Invitational. The Lions squandered a one run lead in the first game of the doubleheader as they fell, 4-2. In game two, the Lions found themselves on the back end of a 1-0 pitcher’s duel.
In total, the Lions collected eight hits on the day, including a series-high three by Dianne Gonzalez. In addition, Sarah Boyd and Elysha Agen also picked up a pair of hits, in addition to scoring one run. Meanwhile, Danielle Moreda added a single and drew a base-on-balls.
Lions’ pitchers, on the other hand, combined for a 2.92 ERA as three of Saint Leo’s four listed pitchers made appearances.
It didn’t take long for the Lions to find themselves playing catch-up. After going three up, three down in the top half of the first, Flagler used a pair of singles off of Ashton Whidden in the bottom of the frame to take a 1-0 lead.
Saint Leo answered two innings later. After Boyd forced a one out walk, Agen and Gonzalez connected on back-to-back singles, eventually scoring Boyd from second and the Lions’ first run of 2011. Moreda broke the tie one batter later as an infield single allowed Agen to score.
The 2-1 lead was short lived however, as Jolley and Bessent cranked a pair of solo home runs in the bottom of the fourth to push the advantage back towards the home standing Saints, 3-2.
After a scoreless fifth for the Lions, Flagler added what became the final run of the game when Collings punched single thjrough the middle scoring Ely from second.
The Lions could not answer the Saints’ challenge as Flagler’s Riddick went all seven innings and posted five strikeouts.
Game two was an old fashioned pitcher’s duel. Both the Lions’ Megan Still and Flagler’s Lovenich combined to surrender just five hits and one run. Unfortunately for Lions’ fans, that one run came against Still.
Flagler struck for the only score in the bottom of the first when Collings sent a two-out, RBI double into the right centerfield gap.
Saint Leo gave their best shot at equalizing the game, but was unsuccessful in their attempt. The Lions, who didn’t record their first hit until the fifth inning, mounted their most serious threat in the top of the sixth.
Despite not allowing a hit in the inning, Amber Martyn and Kasey Postupack found themselves with a chance to tie the ballgame. Stingy Saints’ defense, however, kept the Lions’ base runners at bay, while Flagler wrapped-up the two-game, Opening Day sweep.
Still was tagged as the tough-luck loser as she dropped to 0-1 in 2011.
Despite the final outcomes, the doubleheader did see Saint Leo swipe five stolen bases, while not committing a single error.
The Lions will return to action on Sunday, February 6 when they take on NAIA opponent Webber International on day two of the Flagler Invitational. First pitch is set for 10:00 a.m.
Box Score Game One
Box Score Game Two
